Copyright timesnownews
Amid growing concern that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could be suspended on November 1 if the government shutdown continues, rumors have spread across social media claiming that Walmart stores will close nationwide on that date following a notice from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some posts allege that Walmart plans to close stores to prevent looting if food assistance payments stop, while others suggest the retailer will shift to online or pickup-only operations. However, while the USDA has confirmed that SNAP funding could run out on November 1 without congressional action, there is no evidence or official statement from Walmart or federal authorities indicating that the company intends to close any of its stores. Walmart has not announced any operational changes related to SNAP benefits or the government shutdown. What the USDA Announced The USDA said that federal funding for SNAP would stop beginning November 1 unless the government reopens, affecting nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the program for food assistance. The department warned that contingency funds are nearly depleted and blamed Congress for failing to approve new spending. SNAP provides about $100 billion annually, or roughly $8.3 billion per month, in benefits. A lapse in funding would immediately disrupt food access for low-income households and could ripple through the retail grocery sector. How a SNAP Funding Halt Could Affect Walmart According to market research firm Numerator, Walmart captures about 24% of total SNAP spending, the largest share among US retailers. Based on the average monthly SNAP distribution, this translates to roughly $2 billion in sales that could be lost if benefits are suspended for the month. SNAP purchases account for around 8% of all grocery spending nationwide, meaning even a short interruption could impact sales for major food retailers. However, this financial pressure would not cause Walmart to close stores; it would simply result in reduced customer spending until benefits resume. Fact Check: Walmart Stores Remain Open Despite viral claims, Walmart is not closing on November 1 and continues to operate normally across all 50 states. Walmart’s operations are independent of federal benefit schedules. Each state manages its own SNAP distribution, and any delay applies only to residents of that state, not to retailers.EBT cards are still accepted. Walmart will continue processing SNAP/EBT transactions as soon as benefits are available.Store hours and services remain unchanged. Local conditions such as weather, remodeling, or staffing, not federal programs, determine any temporary closures or schedule changes.When Walmart locations do temporarily close, it is typically for routine business reasons, such as remodeling, weather emergencies, safety issues, or underperformance, not because of government benefit programs. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
