As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, SNAP benefits remain suspended, leaving over 42 million low-income Americans in a precarious position. In a recent move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed grocery retailers not to offer special discounts or deals exclusively to SNAP recipients, citing program regulations.
An internal email, posted publicly by MSNBC’s Catherine Rampell, reminded stores that treating SNAP-EBT users differently, by offering discounts or incentives not extended to all shoppers, violates the program’s Equal Treatment Rule. The message comes at a time when many families are searching for relief while waiting on paused benefit disbursements.
USDA Enforces Equal Treatment Rules Amid Growing Financial Strain
The USDA’s communication to grocery stores clarified that SNAP-authorized retailers must apply uniform pricing to all customers, regardless of their payment method. According to the department, offering any form of discount or added benefit exclusively to SNAP users would breach federal guidelines unless the store has been granted a formal equal treatment waiver.
The email reportedly stated: “Offering discounts or services only to SNAP-eligible customers is a SNAP violation unless you have a SNAP equal treatment waiver.” Retailers attempting to ease the burden for customers hit hardest by the benefits freeze were swiftly reminded of their legal boundaries. According to Rampell, at least two stores had begun offering such discounts but retracted them after receiving the warning.
This directive arrives as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program remains unfunded, with no benefits issued on November 1, the USDA confirmed on its website. The department used stark language to describe the situation: “The well has run dry.”
While some retailers may view temporary discounts as a way to support struggling communities, the USDA maintains that uniform treatment of customers is essential to prevent discrimination and preserve program integrity. The agency has not indicated whether temporary regulatory flexibility is under consideration.
Legal Pressure Mounts as Snap Funding Remains in Limbo
The suspension of SNAP payments has triggered legal challenges in multiple states. According to court filings, 25 states have sued the federal government, arguing that it is obligated to continue providing benefits using available emergency contingency funds during the shutdown. Two federal judges have so far ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
In the meantime, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that payments could resume as soon as Wednesday, though no confirmation has followed. With no definitive timeline, SNAP recipients are left waiting, and now, they must do so without the aid of well-meaning store discounts.
