SNAP Benefit Blockade: James Cracks Down on ShopRite, Hannaford

NEW YORK – While Washington D.C. throws tantrums and threatens to starve millions, some businesses in New York are adding insult to injury – illegally refusing to accept SNAP benefits from those who rely on them. Attorney General Letitia James is now stepping in, issuing cease-and-desist letters to grocery chains ShopRite and Hannaford after reports surfaced of shoppers being denied the ability to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

The Attorney General’s office has been flooded with complaints of approved SNAP retailers unlawfully blocking New Yorkers from using their existing balances to purchase food. This isn’t some theoretical future problem – it’s happening *now*, as the federal administration continues its reckless game of chicken with vital food assistance programs. James isn’t waiting for families to go hungry; she’s demanding these businesses honor their commitment to the program.

“New Yorkers must be able to use their existing SNAP benefits – or food stamps – at any business that is part of the program,” Attorney General James stated bluntly. “Refusing to accept New Yorkers’ remaining SNAP balances puts already vulnerable New York families in greater danger of going hungry. While the federal administration continues to play political games, my office is taking action to ensure New Yorkers who receive SNAP can put food on the table.”

For those unaware, SNAP recipients receive benefits on an EBT card, designed for seamless payment at participating retailers. Federal guidance is crystal clear: existing balances *must* be honored. Yet, the OAG discovered stores actively flouting this rule, leaving individuals unable to buy groceries despite having funds available. If you encounter this obstruction, you are advised to first politely inform store staff you have a balance and are able to use it. Then, immediately file a complaint with the OAG.

The stakes are high. Children and seniors comprise nearly 60 percent of all SNAP recipients, and over a million veterans depend on the program annually. In New York alone, SNAP serves almost three million people, including nearly one million children and over 600,000 older adults. Approximately seven percent of New York SNAP recipients are disabled. The program distributes roughly $650 million in benefits each month – money people *need* to survive. James’s actions follow a recent legal battle she spearheaded against the USDA, ultimately winning a court order to fully fund SNAP benefits nationwide after the agency initially threatened a shutdown.

James, alongside a coalition of 25 other attorneys general and governors, initially sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on September 28th after the agency announced it would suspend November SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. A temporary victory came on October 31st with a court order forcing the federal government to partially fund the program. But the fight wasn’t over. On November 6th, a federal judge ruled the administration must fully fund SNAP benefits nationwide. Now, James is turning her attention to those within the system who are still attempting to deny vulnerable New Yorkers the assistance they deserve. Report unlawful SNAP refusals to the OAG immediately.