wlox.com · Allyson Cole | RHCJC News · September 7, 2026
Mississippi could face $75 million SNAP cost as food pantry demand rises
# Mississippi could face $75 million SNAP cost as food pantry demand rises
By Allyson Cole | RHCJC News
Published: Sep. 7, 2026 at 5:23 PM CDT| Updated: 31 minutes ago
JACKSON — Mississippi could be responsible for an estimated $75 million a year in SNAP benefit costs under new federal requirements as food pantries across the state report increased demand for assistance.
Suzanne Bowen says Bully’s Pantry provides food and other necessities to Mississippi State University students in need. (RHCJC News)
Mississippi Food Network reported in August that visits across its network were up 36% from a year ago. The increase comes as Mississippi prepares to shoulder a larger share of the costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Beginning Oct. 1, states will be responsible for 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from 50%. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, states may also have to contribute directly to SNAP benefit costs based on their payment error rates, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Mississippi’s payment error rate was 9.51% in fiscal year 2025, down from 10.69% the previous year and below the national rate of 10.62%, according to the USDA.
At that rate, Mississippi would fall into the 10% state cost-share tier. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that it could cost the state about $75 million annually based on current SNAP spending.
If Mississippi lowers its error rate below 8%, its share would drop to 5%, an estimated cost of about $40 million annually. States may use their fiscal year 2025 or 2026 error rate when the requirement begins.
Gov. Tate Reeves said lowering Mississippi's error rate is a priority.
Gov. Tate Reeves says he believes Mississippi's SNAP payment error rate will fall below 8% before the end of September. Reeves also says workforce development should be part of efforts to reduce dependence on federal assistance.
“We’re working very hard to reduce our error rate … When we started this, Mississippi’s error rate was below the national average but still too high … I think we’ll definitely get under 8% before the end of September,” Reeves said.
Updated September figures were not yet available as of publication.
The USDA defines payment error rates as a measure of how accurately states determine SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts. The rates include overpayments and underpayments and are not a measure of fraud.
Reeves said he expects eligible families to continue receiving benefits and said workforce development should also be part of efforts to reduce dependence on federal assistance.
"I believe very strongly ... every single individual has two things. If they have the skills that they need ... and the opportunity for a job that pays $60,000 (or more) a year, most of those other things take care of themselves," Reeves said.
Karli Coughlin says Mississippi Food Network’s primary focus is reducing food insecurity for Mississippi residents. She says the network is working with suppliers to serve counties across its service area as demand continues to increase. (Mississippi Food Network) (Donnovan Wade)
The federal changes come as food assistance organizations respond to existing food insecurity across Mississippi.
Mississippi Food Network serves 56 counties through more than 430 partner agencies and reports reaching more than 163,000 people each month. CEO Karli Coughlin said the organization's sourcing partnerships allow it to provide about six meals for every dollar donated.
“When considering the impact of SNAP, it’s not only feeding Mississippi families … We want families to stay in Mississippi and build a life here … Food security is part of what makes a state worth staying in,” Coughlin said.
Feeding America’s 2026 Map the Meal Gap study estimates that 591,530 Mississippians, or about 1 in 5 residents, experienced food insecurity in 2024.
Food assistance programs are also serving college students. At Mississippi State University, registered dietitian Suzanne Bowen coordinates Bully's Pantry, which provides food and other necessities to students in need.
Bully’s Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Mississippi State University students help spread awareness of the pantry on campus. (Allyson Cole)
“Bully’s Pantry provides food, toiletries, school supplies and other necessary items to Mississippi State students who are in need,” Bowen said.
Bowen said the pantry recorded 8,515 visits in 2025. During that period, 112 students used the service for the first time.
Asked whether the federal SNAP changes could increase demand, Bowen said the pantry will continue serving students while working to make them aware of the available assistance.
“It’s our students here at MSU that help us by promoting Bully’s Pantry on campus to other students, so that they know it’s a resource that’s available to them… we certainly want to reduce any stigma around food insecurity,” Bowen said.
Mississippi Food Network plans to hold volunteer events during Hunger Action Month in September and “go orange” for Hunger Action Day on Sept. 29.
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