NY AG Takes Action Against SNAP Benefit Denial by Stores

New York – In a bold move to protect the nutritional security of its citizens, Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert and sent cease-and-desist letters to grocery stores that have unlawfully refused to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

James warns New Yorkers that any business enrolled in the SNAP program is required to honor existing food stamps. The Attorney General’s office has been informed of instances where grocery stores are denying consumers the ability to use their SNAP balances, despite being authorized retailers.

In a statement, James emphasized, ‘New Yorkers must be able to use their existing SNAP benefits at any business that is part of the program. Refusing to honor these benefits puts vulnerable families at risk of hunger.’

Consumers who encounter stores refusing to accept SNAP benefits are encouraged to inform store staff of their EBT card balance and file complaints with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The OAG has identified grocery chains ShopRite and Hannaford as having denied customers access to their SNAP benefits, despite being approved retailers.

SNAP is a vital program in New York, serving nearly three million people, including over 600,000 older adults and children. The denial of these benefits poses significant hardship on families during the ongoing federal government shutdown threats.

On September 28, James led a coalition of attorneys general and governors in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend November SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. The coalition ultimately won a court order requiring the use of contingency funds to fund SNAP benefits partially.

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