Groceries
How SNAP Cuts Are Affecting Holiday Meals — worth reading first
The holidays are typically a time for gathering, feasting, and celebration. But for millions of U.S. shoppers relying on SNAP benefits, this season looks very different. A recent
As families face tough choices, many are turning to food banks, cutting out traditional dishes, or skipping celebrations entirely. Here's a closer look at how inflation and benefit cuts are altering the way U.S. shoppers prepare for the holidays.
Key Takeaways
- 72% of U.S. shoppers receiving SNAP benefits are worried they won't be able to afford enough food for themselves or their family this holiday season.
- 63% expect their holiday grocery budget to be smaller; 40% expect it to be much smaller.
- 52% plan to use a food pantry or community food program this holiday season because of that of the SNAP benefit shutdown.
- Because of cost, 44% are not planning to host family and friends this holiday season.
Study Findings:
- 72% of U.S. shoppers receiving SNAP benefits are concerned about affording enough food for themselves or their families this holiday season.
- 63% expect their holiday grocery budget to be smaller this year, with 40% expecting it to be significantly smaller than last year.
- 45% say the SNAP benefit shutdown has greatly affected their ability to plan for Thanksgiving, while 42% say the same about Christmas.
- 30% plan to cook a traditional meal for Thanksgiving this year, while 33% plan to cook a simplified or smaller meal for Christmas.
- On average, U.S. shoppers receiving SNAP benefits plan to spend $93 on groceries and food for Thanksgiving, and $115 on groceries and food for Christmas.
- Top ways U.S. shoppers plan to make ends meet for holiday meals:
- Shopping sales or applying coupons (61%)
- Applying food banks or pantries (33%)
- Skipping meals before or after to save (25%)
- Top items being skipped this holiday season because of cost:
- Holiday extras, like decorations (62%)
- Hosting family or friends (44%)
- Homemade desserts or baked goods (31%)
- 52% of U.S. shoppers receiving SNAP benefits plan to use a food pantry or community food program this holiday season because of that of the SNAP benefit shutdown.
Methodology
For this study, we surveyed 503 U.S. shoppers receiving SNAP benefits to understand how the ongoing shutdown is affecting their holiday planning. The survey included questions about grocery spending, food insecurity, and coping strategies for the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. All responses were collected in November 2025.
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