Sales at New York City grocery stores plummeted by as much as 25% last week due to a delay in food assistance benefits caused by the federal government shutdown. The disruption resulted in store owners ordering fewer items to avoid waste, lowering prices on staples to clear inventory, and even paying out of pocket to help struggling customers afford groceries.
Grocery store managers from across the five boroughs reported witnessing the devastating impact firsthand, with some recipients left distraught as they waited for relief. "I felt for them, these are people that are disabled and some can't work," said Edward Montalvo, who manages Food Dynasty Supermarket on Staten Island. One woman was even seen crying in the store because she couldn't get her food.
The delay came after a chaotic week of conflicting guidance from the Trump administration, which left states struggling to issue benefits. New York state finally reissued benefits last Sunday, but not before many recipients were left wondering if they would receive their assistance.
Grocery store owners are cautiously optimistic that sales will rebound now that the shutdown is resolved, but they acknowledged the difficult week-and-a-half that saw them struggling to keep up with demand. "I've noticed myself that EBT is essential in New York City, a lot of people can't live without it," Montalvo said.
SNAP purchases make up over half of sales in some low-income neighborhoods, according to trade group the National Grocers Association. Some store owners reported sales dipping mid-month as customers exhaust their monthly benefits and have to pay out of pocket or afford groceries.
While grocery prices are expected to rise with the resumption of benefits, many store owners are committed to helping their communities, even if it means sacrificing some profits. "We're not trying to gouge or raise prices for no reason," said Yusif Alomeri, a manager at Prospect Market in Park Slope.
However, fears over immigration enforcement and raids continue to affect sales, with some store owners reporting dips since January. As the program faces changes next year due to President Trump's summer overhaul, advocates worry that recipients may lose their benefits or see reductions in SNAP purchases by 10% annually.
As the situation unfolds, grocery store owners remain committed to providing essential services to their communities, even if it means sacrificing some profit margins.
Grocery store managers from across the five boroughs reported witnessing the devastating impact firsthand, with some recipients left distraught as they waited for relief. "I felt for them, these are people that are disabled and some can't work," said Edward Montalvo, who manages Food Dynasty Supermarket on Staten Island. One woman was even seen crying in the store because she couldn't get her food.
The delay came after a chaotic week of conflicting guidance from the Trump administration, which left states struggling to issue benefits. New York state finally reissued benefits last Sunday, but not before many recipients were left wondering if they would receive their assistance.
Grocery store owners are cautiously optimistic that sales will rebound now that the shutdown is resolved, but they acknowledged the difficult week-and-a-half that saw them struggling to keep up with demand. "I've noticed myself that EBT is essential in New York City, a lot of people can't live without it," Montalvo said.
SNAP purchases make up over half of sales in some low-income neighborhoods, according to trade group the National Grocers Association. Some store owners reported sales dipping mid-month as customers exhaust their monthly benefits and have to pay out of pocket or afford groceries.
While grocery prices are expected to rise with the resumption of benefits, many store owners are committed to helping their communities, even if it means sacrificing some profits. "We're not trying to gouge or raise prices for no reason," said Yusif Alomeri, a manager at Prospect Market in Park Slope.
However, fears over immigration enforcement and raids continue to affect sales, with some store owners reporting dips since January. As the program faces changes next year due to President Trump's summer overhaul, advocates worry that recipients may lose their benefits or see reductions in SNAP purchases by 10% annually.
As the situation unfolds, grocery store owners remain committed to providing essential services to their communities, even if it means sacrificing some profit margins.
Oh man, this is so heartbreaking! I'm literally shaking thinking about that woman crying in the store because she couldn't get her food 
. It's not just the money they're missing out on, it's the dignity and security that comes with knowing they'll have food on the table. And to make matters worse, there are still worries about immigration enforcement and raids... 
How can we even begin to talk about economic stability when people are living in fear? 
As a society, we need to do better than just throwing money at the problem, we need to address the root causes of poverty and insecurity. This is not just an issue for New York City, it's a national crisis that requires a comprehensive solution 
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. These programs really matter in places like NYC where people rely on them so heavily.
this is insane people actually having to pay out of pocket for groceries and one lady crying in the store because she couldn't afford food is just heartbreaking Interesting how store owners are stepping up to help customers despite making less profit 
, people struggling because of gov shutdown 
and no food assistance benefits 
... I'm literally shaking with anger 
but not angry at the gov, more like... 
why can't we just have a system that works for everyone? 
especially ppl who are disabled or can't work 
. Grocery store owners doing this out of kindness is amazing 
but it's also scary to think what'll happen when the shutdown's over and benefits get reduced 
... what if ppl lose access to food assistance? 
Can you believe the gov't shutdown is already affecting people's basic needs? Like, what's next? 
Grocery stores are basically running non-profit hospitals in NYC right now. I mean, I get it, they're trying to help, but 25% sales drop? That's some crazy math. And poor customers who can't even afford their own food? Unbelievable 
. And the fact that some people have even cried in stores because they couldn't get food is just devastating 
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u no whats up with this shutdown? its crazy how ppl r struggling just cuz of gov policies 
the EBT program is essential in NYC, many ppl rely on it, i hope the government gets their act together and doesn't mess with benefits next year 
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. I mean, grocery prices are gonna rise now that the shutdown's over, but some store owners are actually just trying to help people out, even if it means taking a hit on profits 
. It's not ideal that this had to happen in the first place, but I guess it shows the resilience of these store owners 
. Still, 25% sales drop is a big chunk to swallow, and I hope they can bounce back quickly 
. I'm also kinda worried about the uncertainty around immigration enforcement and potential changes to SNAP benefits... it's already affecting some stores' sales