A report by Tennessee Lookout examines the impact of recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that were enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The article highlights the case of Cassandra Boyle, a woman in her late fifties who moved to Tennessee while facing financial hardship and was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer.After qualifying for approximately $300 per month in SNAP benefits, she lost eligibility in April after new work requirements took effect.

Boyle, who is homeless and undergoing cancer treatment, said she was informed that she was considered able-bodied and therefore subject to the updated rules.

According to Tennessee enrollment data cited in the article, SNAP participation in the state fell from about 696,000 recipients in July 2025 to roughly 597,890 in May 2026, a decline of nearly 100,000 people.

The legislation reduced federal SNAP funding and expanded work, training, or education requirements to groups that had previously been exempt, including adults over 55, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services stated that it does not currently track how many recipients lost benefits specifically because of the new federal requirements, noting that SNAP enrollment can change for many reasons.

However, advocates from the Tennessee Justice Center argue that the timing and scale of the enrollment decline strongly suggest a connection to the policy changes.

The article also notes that Tennessee recently expanded income eligibility thresholds and eliminated certain asset limits through a broad-based categorical eligibility policy, a move intended to help more households qualify for assistance despite the federal restrictions.