In 2024, participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) redeemed more than $96 billion in benefits. This support was an absolute lifeline for millions of families in communities across America. A recent funding freeze ordered by the Trump administration at the end of October has thrown that vital support into jeopardy. This freeze especially hurts small grocery and convenience stores that rely on SNAP sales. As 42 million Americans rely on this program, its abrupt termination has sent shockwaves through local economies across the country.
U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the SNAP program, and in the pandemic it has been a lifeline resource for food access. Picture this – superstores and supermarkets account for a stunning 74% of SNAP retailer dollars. By comparison, just 14% are spent at independent grocers and convenience stores. Even as it breaks down by state, this disparity serves to underscore the precarious position of smaller retailers during periods of economic duress.
Ryan Sprankle, owner of Sprankle’s grocery store, has experienced the real-world effects of this funding freeze firsthand. His store depends on SNAP benefits for 25% of its sales. Once these funds stopped, he saw an immediate and alarming decline in sales.
“You can’t take away from the most needy people in the country. It’s inhumane,” – Ryan Sprankle.
On the side, Babir Sultan owns a small convenience store. As a result, he watched his foot traffic plummet about 8% to 10% in early November after the funding freeze went into effect. As a way to better serve his community, he donated the equivalent of $10 of fresh produce to SNAP recipients.
“If you’re in need, just ask, we’ll take care of you,” – Babir Sultan.
Shirley Etharin Cousin, a powerful voice for food security, urged us not to underestimate the immediate impact of slicing SNAP benefits. This important change has a direct effect on grocery stores and convenience retailers. She further stressed that SNAP is not simply a safety net. It also serves as one of the most powerful economic engines for local communities.
“SNAP isn’t just a social safety net for families. It’s also a local economic engine,” – Etharin Cousin.
Smaller grocery owners like Liz Abunaw of Forty Acres Fresh Market express concern about their ability to sustain operations without SNAP benefits. Though her operation only depends on SNAP for roughly 12 percent of its income, she knows it means much more than that.
“SNAP is currency. I get money I then use in this economy. It’s not a food box,” – Liz Abunaw.
Maxfield Kaniger operates Kanbe’s, a produce distribution company that serves 20+ pantries and soup kitchens in the area. He lamented the effects of food insecurity in the same way.
“It should be enough that people are going without food. Period, end of sentence. People going without food is wrong,” – Maxfield Kaniger.
The toll on small grocers is evident, yet these businesses continue to seek ways to support their communities during challenging times. We applaud the U.S. Senate for coming together to pass legislation that reopens the federal government. This new measure not only replenishes SNAP funds, but focuses on relieving the burdens that small retailers have been facing.
As we watch this play out, one thing that is certain is that access to food and economic security go hand in hand. For SNAP recipients, the funding freeze is devastating. It shorts out the innovation future, leaving small businesses holding the bag and threatening their long-term viability and the health of their communities.
