p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture has told grocery stores they cannot offer special discounts to shoppers paying with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the federal shutdown. The directive, shared in an email to grocers, emphasized that retailers must treat SNAP customers and non-SNAP customers the same when it comes to prices and promotions.
The email, first circulated publicly on social media, stated that stores “must offer eligible goods at the same prices and on the same terms and conditions” to all customers. Without a formal waiver, offering discounts exclusive to SNAP recipients is considered a program violation.
David Cutler, vice president of the National Grocers Association (NGA), confirmed the communication and said independent grocers are complying. The NGA, which represents more than 21,000 independent grocery stores across the country, noted that retailers remain focused on fairness and service during the shutdown.
“Independent grocers understand the importance of SNAP in helping families access nutritious food and are following all federal guidance to ensure every customer is treated equally,” said an NGA spokesperson. “Our members continue to uphold the highest standards of customer service while keeping their communities fed during this challenging time.”
The USDA has not yet issued additional public comment on the notice.
Policy Reminder Comes as SNAP Payments Face Strain
The clarification arrives as the government prepares to issue only partial SNAP benefits for November. Federal officials told a judge that approximately $4.65 billion from a SNAP contingency fund will be used to cover about half of the month’s benefit needs, which total more than $9 billion.
Two federal judges recently ordered the administration to use available funds to avoid a complete halt to food assistance. While judges noted that other funding sources — such as the Section 32 Child Nutrition account — could be used to cover remaining benefits, USDA officials argued doing so would pose “an unacceptable risk.”
SNAP supports more than 40 million Americans. With the shutdown stretching on, federal funding decisions and administrative directives continue to shape how families and retailers experience this period of uncertainty.