Local Grocers Feel the Impact of Delayed SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown

Wed Nov 12 2025 17:28:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Small grocery store owners express concerns over the effects of frozen SNAP benefits on their businesses and communities during the ongoing government shutdown.

The recent government shutdown has delayed SNAP benefits, impacting food access for millions of Americans. Store owners like Ryan Sprankle from Pennsylvania are vocal about how this has hurt their businesses and their customers. With many depending on SNAP to purchase groceries, the economic ripple effect touches small independent grocers, causing declines in sales and worries about job security for employees. As legislation to restore SNAP is pending, community members and store owners alike are deeply affected by this funding freeze.

Just over a year ago, Ryan Sprankle welcomed President Donald Trump to his grocery store near Pittsburgh, discussing high food prices. Fast forward to today, he expresses a different sentiment, highlighting the ongoing issues caused by frozen SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.

“You can’t take away from the most needy people in the country. It’s inhumane,” Sprankle stated, emphasizing the lack of empathy from lawmakers.

The Trump administration froze funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the end of October, affecting food access for around 42 million Americans. Although the U.S. Senate passed legislation to reopen the government and restore SNAP funds, uncertainty looms as the House has yet to vote on it.

In 2024, SNAP recipients redeemed over $96 billion in benefits, with 74% spent at larger supermarkets and 14% at smaller grocery stores. This funding is vital for small, independent shops like Sprankle's, which depend on SNAP for a significant portion of their revenue.

The Economic Downturn

Etharin Cousin, former head of the United Nations World Food Program, noted that SNAP is not just a safety net but also an economic engine that supports local businesses. The lapse in funding has immediate financial repercussions for grocery stores, especially small ones that operate on tight margins.

Sprankle mentioned that 25% of his store’s income comes from SNAP. However, as customers face economic uncertainty, those not using SNAP also reduce their spending, fearing returns or heading to food banks.

Liz Abunaw, owner of Forty Acres Fresh Market in Chicago, described witnessing a customer return a full cart of groceries once SNAP was halted. Although only 12% of her revenue comes from SNAP benefits, its absence impacts her ability to pay employees and suppliers.

Challenges for Community Stores

The suspension of food aid has hit organizations like Kanbe’s Markets, which serves Kansas City via donated and purchased food. Sales drops of 10% were reported shortly after SNAP payments ceased, leading to increased demand from food pantries.

Babir Sultan, owner of FavTrip convenience stores, also noticed a decrease in foot traffic and provided $10 of free produce to SNAP applicants to help those in need. “If you’re in need, just ask, we’ll take care of you,” he said.

As discussions around restoring SNAP continue, communities and small businesses are left grappling with the immediate effects of funding delays, emphasizing the essential role of SNAP in food security and local economies.