Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]
Introduced
Summary
Would replace SNAP's 'thrifty food plan' with a new federally defined 'low-cost food plan' as the basis for benefit amounts. It would also change medical deductions, remove a shelter cap, and end the time limit for certain adults without dependents.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
End SNAP time limit for childless adults
This bill would end the SNAP time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents. Childless, able-bodied adults would not lose benefits due to the time rule. Other SNAP eligibility rules would still apply. The repeal would take effect upon enactment.
Higher SNAP deductions for medical and housing
This bill would create a standard medical expense deduction for SNAP households with elderly or disabled members. It would be $140 for fiscal year 2023 and would rise each year with the medical CPI. You would still be able to claim actual allowed medical costs instead, excluding special diets. States could set a higher standard if it is cost neutral under USDA rules. The bill would also remove the cap on the excess shelter deduction, so high housing costs could be fully counted.
SNAP benefits tied to low-cost plan
This bill would replace the thrifty food plan with a new low-cost food plan to set SNAP benefits. The benefit formula’s proviso would rise from 8% to 10%. USDA would update amounts each October 1, starting in 2023, to match June food prices. It would set different costs for Hawaii and for urban and rural Alaska. Benefits would adjust for household size and economies of scale. USDA would reevaluate and publish market baskets by December 31, 2029, and every five years after.
SNAP oversight rules and 2023 commodity funds
For fiscal year 2023, the bill would add $35 million for SNAP commodity assistance. It would also adjust that amount by the percent change in the low-cost food plan since June 30, 2021. The bill would update SNAP quality-control rules to use the low-cost food plan and reset the base year to 2023. It would set QC dollar amounts: up to $50 for FY2023, and an adjusted amount for FY2024.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]
NC • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
NY • D
Sponsored 9/4/2025
Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
CT • D
Sponsored 9/4/2025
Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
PA • D
Sponsored 9/4/2025
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/4/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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