The proposal, announced this week, would tighten the criteria for states seeking to waive the program's work requirements in areas with high unemployment. Currently, states can request waivers for counties or cities where unemployment is at least 20 percent above the national average. The new rule would raise that threshold and limit the size of areas that can be covered by a single waiver.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the change is intended to encourage work and self-sufficiency. "We need to ensure that SNAP is a temporary safety net, not a permanent way of life," Perdue said in a statement. "This proposal will help move more people toward employment and independence."

But anti-hunger advocates warn the rule could strip benefits from people who rely on SNAP to feed their families, particularly in rural areas and communities with persistently high unemployment. They argue that the current waiver system is necessary to account for local economic conditions and that the proposed changes would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

"This is a cruel and unnecessary attack on struggling families," said Ellen Vollinger, legal director at the Food Research & Action Center. "The waivers exist because there are areas where jobs are simply not available. Taking that flexibility away will only increase hunger and hardship."

The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days. If finalized, it would likely face legal challenges from states and advocacy groups.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, serves about 40 million Americans. The program is the largest federal nutrition assistance program and is administered by the USDA but run by states.