Legis Daily

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-2792| Senate 
| Updated: 9/11/2025
Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Democratic Senator

New York

Cosponsors (3)
John Fetterman (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill seeks to significantly enhance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by increasing benefit levels and improving recipient access. A central provision is the amendment of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to mandate that SNAP benefits be calculated using the value of a "low-cost food plan" , replacing the current "thrifty food plan." This new plan is defined as the diet required for a specific 4-person family, with the Secretary of Agriculture required to reevaluate its market baskets every five years based on current food prices and consumption patterns. The bill also adjusts the cost of the diet annually and makes specific adjustments for household size and high-cost areas like Hawaii and Alaska. The legislation further introduces a standard medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled SNAP participants, starting at $140 for fiscal year 2025 and adjusted annually for inflation, with states having the option to set a higher amount. Furthermore, it eliminates the existing cap on excess shelter expenses , allowing for greater deductions for housing costs. Finally, the bill removes the time limit for certain SNAP recipients, specifically able-bodied adults without dependents, thereby ensuring continuous support for eligible individuals.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-3719
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2192
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1336
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023
Sep 4, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5129
Introduced in House
Sep 11, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Sep 11, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-3719
    Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2192
    Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1336
    Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023


  • September 4, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5129
    Introduced in House


  • September 11, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • September 11, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Agriculture and Food

Related Bills

  • HR 119-5129: Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-2792| Senate 
| Updated: 9/11/2025
This bill seeks to significantly enhance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by increasing benefit levels and improving recipient access. A central provision is the amendment of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to mandate that SNAP benefits be calculated using the value of a "low-cost food plan" , replacing the current "thrifty food plan." This new plan is defined as the diet required for a specific 4-person family, with the Secretary of Agriculture required to reevaluate its market baskets every five years based on current food prices and consumption patterns. The bill also adjusts the cost of the diet annually and makes specific adjustments for household size and high-cost areas like Hawaii and Alaska. The legislation further introduces a standard medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled SNAP participants, starting at $140 for fiscal year 2025 and adjusted annually for inflation, with states having the option to set a higher amount. Furthermore, it eliminates the existing cap on excess shelter expenses , allowing for greater deductions for housing costs. Finally, the bill removes the time limit for certain SNAP recipients, specifically able-bodied adults without dependents, thereby ensuring continuous support for eligible individuals.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-3719
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2192
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1336
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023
Sep 4, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5129
Introduced in House
Sep 11, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Sep 11, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-3719
    Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2192
    Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1336
    Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023


  • September 4, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5129
    Introduced in House


  • September 11, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • September 11, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Democratic Senator

New York

Cosponsors (3)
John Fetterman (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Agriculture and Food

Related Bills

  • HR 119-5129: Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted