"But these days, Sprankle would have a different message if Trump or any lawmakers visited his store. He wants them to know that delayed SNAP benefits during the government shutdown hurt his customers and his small, independent chain. "You can't take away from the most needy people in the country. It's inhumane," Sprankle said. "It's a lack of empathy, and it's on all their hands.""
"The Trump administration froze funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the end of October, impacting food access for some 42 million Americans. On Monday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would reopen the federal government and replenish SNAP funds. The U.S. House is scheduled to vote on that bill on Wednesday evening. But it's unclear when SNAP payments might resume if the government reopens."
"In 2024, SNAP recipients redeemed a little more than $96 billion in benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program. The majority - 74% -- was spent at superstores and supermarkets, a category that includes big chains like Walmart and Kroger but also some independent stores like Sprankle's. Around 14% was spent at smaller grocery and convenience stores, businesses often tucked into neighborhoods and more easily accessible to SNAP beneficiaries."
Federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was frozen at the end of October, cutting off benefits for roughly 42 million Americans. The U.S. Senate approved legislation to reopen the government and replenish SNAP funds, with the House scheduled to vote, but the timing of resumed payments remains uncertain. In 2024 SNAP recipients redeemed just over $96 billion, with 74% spent at superstores and supermarkets and about 14% at smaller grocery and convenience stores. Delayed benefits reduced food access for low-income customers and caused immediate revenue losses for small, independent grocers operating on very thin profit margins.
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