The news: The Trump administration agreed to use emergency funds to partly fund SNAP benefits.

• But it could take “a few weeks to up to several months” before consumers begin seeing that money due to “procedural difficulties, a USDA official said in a court filing.
• The administration currently has around half—$4.65 billion—of the $8 billion needed to fully fund SNAP for the month of November.

How retailers are responding: With over 40 million Americans set to be affected by the potential loss of SNAP benefits, grocers are stepping in to offer some relief.

• Save Mart is discounting select meat and produce by 50% until November 4, with additional sales planned for the rest of the year. The grocer will also offer low-cost Thanksgiving and Christmas meal deals, deeper digital discounts, free grocery delivery for online orders, and added promotions on items nearing their sell-by dates.
• H-E-B will donate $5 million to Feeding Texas food banks, and another $1 million to Meals on Wheels, while HyVee is giving $100,000 to Feeding America partner food banks and $25,000 to help DoorDash waive delivery and service fees for SNAP recipients.
• DoorDash will also waive merchant fees for food banks, pantries, and other community organizations for the month of November, while donating food and essentials from DashMart to local food banks.
• Instacart is offering up to 100,000 active SNAP customers 50% off their next grocery order and launching an online food drive for over 300 Feeding America food banks and partners.
• Gopuff is giving customers two $25 credits for SNAP-eligible items, which can be used throughout November; the company has committed up to $10 million total to help customers in need.

However, grocers’ ability to help is being challenged by USDA guidance that prohibits retailers from offering special discounts to SNAP customers.

Why this matters: The loss of SNAP funding will be painful not only for households that rely on that money for essential supplies, but also for the many retailers that depend on that spending.

• An analysis by the National Grocers Association found that SNAP funding directly supports around 388,000 jobs and more than $20 billion in wages, and it generates over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenues.
• According to USDA estimates, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity. With the US spending roughly $8 billion on SNAP each month, that translates to an estimated $12 billion in economic impact—underscoring how cuts could deepen a potential slowdown in the months ahead.