Why It’s Time for Small Businesses to Stand Together

Across America, more than 41 million people rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — what most still call food stamps. That includes an estimated 10% of the U.S. workforce, and yes, that number includes gig workers, self-employed entrepreneurs, and small-business owners themselves.

These are not “unemployed” Americans. They are cashiers, drivers, hair stylists, mechanics, delivery partners, freelancers, and founders — people who work hard yet still can’t afford consistent groceries.

The Current Crisis

As of November 2025, the federal government shutdown has left millions uncertain about when or whether their food assistance will arrive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said only partial benefits may be paid this month, using contingency funds that cover roughly half of what’s normally issued.

And just as communities began organizing local support, the USDA sent this directive to all grocery retailers:

REMINDER: SNAP-EBT Authorized Retailers Must Comply with the SNAP Equal Treatment Rule
“You must offer eligible foods at the same prices and on the same terms and conditions to SNAP-EBT customers as other customers.
Offering discounts or services only to SNAP-paying customers is a SNAP violation unless you have a SNAP Equal Treatment Waiver.”
– USDA Food & Nutrition Service Notice, October 2025

That means stores are prohibited from offering exclusive discounts or relief pricing just for SNAP customers — even in a shutdown. The intention is fairness; the effect is cruelty.

The Reality Behind the Rule

The rule protects against fraud and discrimination, but right now it’s punishing compassion.
Retailers who try to help SNAP users with targeted discounts risk losing their authorization to accept EBT altogether.

That’s the bureaucracy. But the business community doesn’t have to stand by and watch people — our customers, neighbors, and employees — go hungry.

What Small Businesses Can Do — Legally and Powerfully

1. Run “Community-Wide” Discounts

Offer public sales, not SNAP-exclusive ones. Label them as:

“Shutdown Relief Week — 10% Off for Everyone in Our Community.”

It’s fully compliant with USDA rules and still helps SNAP households.

2. Create Local Food Gift Pools

Team up with nearby businesses or customers to fund $10–$25 store gift cards that can quietly be given to anyone struggling.
Keep it anonymous, inclusive, and simple.

3. Collaborate with Nonprofits

Partner with local food banks, churches, or community centers.
They’re not bound by SNAP’s equal-treatment restrictions and can deliver aid faster.

Host a collection box or offer your storefront as a distribution point once a week.

4. Take Care of Your People

Many employees in small businesses are also SNAP recipients.
Offer flexible hours, meal sharing, or small grocery stipends if you can.
These gestures build loyalty and keep your workforce stable when morale is low.

5. Push for State Action

Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. have already pledged to cover SNAP shortfalls with state funds.
You can help by:

• Contacting your governor’s office and local legislators.
• Signing an open letter from small business owners urging emergency state assistance.
• Speaking up publicly on behalf of the working poor — they are the economic backbone of every town.

Why It Matters to Every Business Owner

This isn’t just about food. It’s about stability. When SNAP benefits stop, local economies shrink overnight — grocery stores, gas stations, barbers, childcare providers all feel the drop.

When we keep cash flowing inside our communities, we protect the very foundation of small business success.

360 Business Coach Local Business Relief Action Plan

Step 1: Launch a “Community Relief Week” discount (open to everyone).
Step 2: Partner with at least one nonprofit food bank to accept donations or distribute vouchers.
Step 3: Encourage customers to pre-buy local gift cards.
Step 4: Form a small business relief circle — 5-10 owners who agree to trade goods/services and cover each other in emergencies.
Step 5: Send a joint letter to state officials calling for temporary state-funded SNAP bridge payments.

You don’t need permission to show humanity.

When federal policy handcuffs compassion, small business owners become the first responders of economic reality.
We are the bridge between policy and people.

Let’s use that power — together — to make sure no one in our communities has to choose between feeding their families and paying their bills.

Sources:
USDA Food and Nutrition Service – SNAP-EBT Equal Treatment Rule Reminder (Oct 2025)
USDA Economic Research Service – SNAP Participation Data 2024
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – SNAP Helps Millions of Working Americans
AP News, Reuters, Washington Post – Government Shutdown & SNAP Coverage, Nov 2025