Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told grocery stores not to give special discounts to people using food stamps. This directive comes during a government shutdown where benefits have stopped, impacting about 42 million Americans.
Key Facts
- The USDA directed stores to not treat SNAP-EBT customers differently than other customers.
- This action is due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has stopped SNAP benefits.
- SNAP is a federal program helping low-income Americans buy groceries.
- The USDA said grocery stores must follow the “Equal Treatment Rule” for all customers.
- President Trump requested legal guidance on using emergency funds for SNAP.
- Two federal judges ruled that emergency funds must pay for food stamps during the shutdown.
- The government shutdown began on October 1 and is the second-longest in history.
- Payments could resume soon, but families remain uncertain about benefit availability.
