As the U.S. prepares for the upcoming SNAP reduction taking place on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown, grocers around the country are committing money and food to nonprofits to help combat hunger.
To provide resources to grocers that may have questions, FMI – The Food Industry Association has launched a new webpage that will serve as a guide on the SNAP funding situation amid the federal government shutdown.
This page includes information clarifying the use of remaining October benefits and the status of November benefits; actions states are taking to fund SNAP and links to their respective Departments of Health and Human Services which administer SNAP at the state level; and the latest public-facing communications from FMI on SNAP.
“As an industry that serves families in every community in America, we know firsthand how essential federal hunger and nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC are to customers experiencing difficult times and to the overall stability of our food system,” said FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher.
“When one leg of the stool that the government committed to provide is removed, it doesn’t just affect customers’ ability to feed their families; it also impacts store scheduling of employees, supplier orders and staffing, and the tax base of local economies across the country.
“We appreciate the efforts many states have made to try to provide short-term funding solutions in this time of need, and we’re proud of the way retailers and suppliers continue to support their communities during this period of uncertainty through donation programs and working with neighborhood groups. However, long-term stability for SNAP and WIC and vulnerable families requires the restoration of the federal commitment to these programs.
“We once again urge Congress to act immediately to restore government funding, provide clarity and food for families in need, and ensure that these vital programs remain dependable for those who have to rely on them to get them through a difficult time.”
Here are some of the ways that grocers are helping their local communities:
Albertsons Cos.
Albertsons Cos. is accelerating the distribution of $13 million in holiday gift cards to food banks.
“This is our sixth year to give holiday gift cards to community food banks, and we are pleased to be able to distribute them early during a time when it’s needed most,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, president and executive director of the foundation.
[RELATED: Albertsons Cos. Donates $13M In Gift Cards To Food Banks]
Albertsons and its banner, Tom Thumb, will also host a Thanksgiving food distribution for families in need while supplies last from 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 22 on the UNT Dallas. The event will be held in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNIQLO.
“With the government shutdown affecting paychecks and benefits for many families, this Thanksgiving event comes at a crucial time,” said Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank.
“Tom Thumb / Albertsons and UNT Dallas continue to be incredible partners in helping us make sure every neighbor has food on the table. Their ongoing support allows us to respond quickly when our community needs us most.”
Big Y Foods
Through its “Sack Hunger” campaign, Big Y raises funds for four regional food banks across its two-state marketing area.
The food banks help more than 1,400-member agencies, including local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior nutrition programs and childcare centers. The food banks are Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare.
For a $5 donation, customers can support Sack Hunger from any register at Big Y’s supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors or online through Dec. 10. Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need.
Brookshire Grocery Co.
BGC is donating $500,000 to local food banks serving communities where its stores operate in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
“Our company was founded on the core value of serving our communities, and that commitment remains strong today,” said Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO for BGC.
“We recognize the challenges many families are facing, especially during this time of increased need, and we are honored to support the food banks that are on the front lines of hunger relief.”
[RELATED: BGC Donates $500K To Food Banks Amid Government Shutdown]
Throughout the holiday season, BGC will also collect monetary donations to help thousands of people in need throughout the company’s 25th annual Food 2 Families campaign.
Through Dec. 16, all Reasor’s locations throughout Oklahoma will collect monetary donations using scan coupons at checkout. Funds collected during the Food 2 Families campaign will be donated to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Tahlequah C.A.R.E. Food Pantry and Grand Lake Community Ministry.
Fareway
Iowa-based Fareway has begun a month-long initiative throughout November.
How customers can participate:
- Pre-bagged donations: Customers can purchase pre-bagged, SNAP-eligible food items at any location. These bags will be distributed to local food banks or pantries near each store.
- Individual item donations: Shoppers may also choose to donate individual food items of their choice.
- Monetary contributions: Every Fareway check stand will accept donations, with every dollar going toward purchasing food products for nearby food banks or pantries.
Fareway will match all monetary contributions in value throughout November.
Food Lion
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is donating $1 million to support local food banks.
From Nov. 1-4, North Carolina-based Food Lion will activate a Food Bank Fund through the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation. Customers can join this effort by donating at the register in any Food Lion store. Funds raised during this time will support local food banks.
Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has distributed nearly $23 million across its 10-state operating area.
Other ways the grocer is helping include:
- Holidays Without Hunger campaign – From Nov. 5-Dec. 9, customers can purchase and donate a $6 Food Lion Feeds holiday food box. Each store will donate the boxes to local Feeding America partner food banks or feeding agencies in its community. Customers can also round up their purchases or donate at checkout, with 100 percent of contributions supporting local feeding agencies.
- Veterans Day discount – On Nov. 11, Food Lion will honor active-duty military personnel and veterans with a 10 percent discount, recognizing their service and dedication to our communities.
- MVP Fall Haul – Through Nov. 26, customers can earn a $20 coupon by shopping six times and spending at least $50 per trip with their personal MVP card.
- Everyday savings – The MVP Savings Card gives customers access to weekly deals and personalized discounts on items they buy most. With the Shop & Earn Program, customers can activate monthly offers and earn more savings in-store and through Food Lion To Go.
Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets is helping expand access to locally-grown food by making an investment in gleaning programs across New England and New York. The funding is the latest chapter of Hannaford’s Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Healthinitiative.
“At Hannaford, we believe in the transformative power of doing good in our communities,” said Ericka Dodge Katz, external communications and community impact director at Hannaford Supermarkets.
“It’s why we’re incredibly proud to support these meaningful programs, which ensure more families can access the fresh, nutritious food they need to thrive. Together, we’re caring for our neighbors and helping to nourish future generations.”
More than $600,000 in funding will support gleaning programs, which harvest and recover excess produce from local farms and gardens that would otherwise go to waste for distribution to those in need. The funds will be distributed to the following organizations by state:
- Maine: UMaine Cooperative Extension ($50,000) and Waldo County Bounty ($60,000)
- Massachusetts: Boston Area Gleaners ($60,000)
- New Hampshire: Gather ($105,000) and United Way of Greater Nashua ($25,000)
- New York: Capital Roots ($161,000) and Long Table Harvest ($28,000 )
- Vermont: Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity ($75,000) and Salvation Farms ($68,000)
Hy-Vee
Iowa-based Hy-Vee will be providing multiple community support options at all store locations.
From Nov. 3-7, every Hy-Vee store with hot food service will provide a free kids meal to those ages 12 and under from 4-7 p.m. The same meal will be available to everyone else for $3 and will be offered for dine in or to go.
Hy-Vee will offer $5 and $10 food bank donation bundles for customers to purchase for donation. The bags will include items most needed by food pantries, including canned vegetables, pasta sauce, canned proteins and cereal. Stores will deliver any purchased bags to their local food pantry daily.
“We want to support the communities that support our stores, which is why we are doing everything we can to make sure no one goes hungry during these uncertain times,” said Anna Stoermer, EVP, chief merchandising and retail officer, Hy-Vee. “We are grateful for the suppliers and partners who have joined us to help feed families in need.”
Suppliers participating in Hy-Vee’s efforts include Acadian Crossing Consumer Products, Dole, Pillsbury, ProHealth, StarKist Tuna and SUNSET Mastronardi.
[RELATED: Hy-Vee Donates $125K To Help Feed Families]
In addition, Hy-Vee customers can round up their purchases at checkout. Funds collected at each store will be directed weekly to a designated local pantry in each store’s community to help families in need.
The grocer also recently donated $100,000 to Feeding America to support its 18 regional food banks.
Lowes Foods
Lowes Foods will host its Friends Feeding Friends initiative during the holiday season. The initiative invites guests to purchase specially marked bags at their local Lowes Foods store, with all donations staying within the community where they are purchased.
Market 32 and Price Chopper
Market 32 and Price Chopper’s hunger relief-efforts will deliver extra food savings; drive resources to food banks, food pantries and human services organizations; engage farmers and food producers; and provide meal recipes that prioritize affordability.
“Lots of families across the six states we serve are having a hard time making ends meet, especially now. We’re determined to do our part to help,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper.
“Grocery stores are at the heart of a complex food system that families, farmers, food producers and food banks all rely on. It comes with great responsibility – one we take to heart – which is why we’re mobilizing resources and partners to provide some relief, support and stability.”
After analyzing customer purchase data, Market 32 and Price Chopper have identified several products that are high-demand and -value across shelf-stable, frozen and fresh food categories. The limited-time incremental savings and offers will feature 30 items, including:
- Large White Dozen Grade A Eggs, $1.49;
- PICS Brand Pasta select varieties, $1.00;
- Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce, three for $5.00;
- Avocados, $1.00;
- Red or Green Grapes, 2-pound package, $5.00;
- Thomas’ English Muffins, buy one get two free;
- Sea Best Breaded Shrimp, buy one get two free;
- Market 32 Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts, buy one get one free;
- Quaker Instant Oatmeal, General Mills and Kellogg’s Large Size Cereal, buy one get one; and
- And several more family-filling food items — with all sales, flyers and eCoupons posted here.
These discounts will remain in place through Nov. 8, in addition to previously planned savings on many more items.
Through Jan. 3, all stores will participate in the “Fill a Plate with Hope for the Holidays” donation drive. Customers can purchase $10 pre-packed bags of items most needed by local food banks and pantries – all meal essentials and pantry staples. Each bag will be donated to an organization within the store’s community.
For every four bags of food purchased by customers, Market 32 and Price Chopper will donate a fifth bag – up to 10,000 bags, representing a contribution of $100,000 in donated food.
To boost local relief efforts, Market 32 and Price Chopper have directed $10,000 to the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s Government Shutdown Relief Fund, and they are working closely with local and state officials across its footprint to fulfill immediate needs, including facilitating bulk purchases of grocery gift cards – at a discount – for distribution by local human services organizations.
Meijer
Michigan-based Meijer will donate $4 million to food banks and pantries across its six-state footprint through its Simply Give hunger relief program.
Donations will be made to eight food banks with the size and infrastructure to help a significant number in need. Those food bank partners include Dare to Care Foodbank (Louisville, Kentucky), Feeding America East Wisconsin, Feeding America West Michigan, Gleaners Community Foodbank of Southeast Michigan, Gleaners Community Foodbank of Indiana, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
“We understand the communities we serve are facing unique challenges right now, and while we cannot solve them alone, that will not stop us from expanding our Simply Give hunger relief efforts to help our neighbors in need,” said Hank Meijer, executive chairman.
“We are humbled to be able to make these donations and know they will have a significant impact in the fight against hunger throughout the Midwest.”
Hunger relief is the retailer’s lead philanthropic focus. Earlier this year, its Simply Give hunger relief program reached the milestone of $100 million donated to food pantries since its inception in 2008.
Customers interested in partnering with the retailer can add a $10 Simply Give donation card to their order during their next shopping trip. The cards are then converted into Meijer food-only gift cards and given to a local food pantry partner in the store’s community.
Additionally, from Nov. 23-29, Meijer will donate the equivalent of one meal to Simply Give food pantry partners for every customer who purchases Meijer brand, Frederik’s by Meijer, True Goodness by Meijer or Purple Cow food items. Up to 4 million meals will be donated to Simply Give food pantry partners.
Natural Grocers
The retailer is holding its annual in-store holiday fundraiser through Dec. 31.
Customers can contribute in two ways: donate at the register or purchase and donate nonperishable items that will be collected at the front of the store. The fundraiser runs in tandem with the company’s ongoing “Bring Your Own Bag” program, which donates five cents per shopping trip to local food bank partners when customers bring reusable bags.
“Our food bank partners are doing extraordinary work to help their neighbors during a time of increasing need, and we’re grateful to play a small role in supporting them,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers.
“Through our annual Holiday Food Bank Fundraiser, our Bring Your Own Bag program, and our food rescue efforts, we’re honored to help meet the growing need across the communities we serve. We encourage our customers to look for donation stations in each store or connect with a crew member at the register to learn more.”
PCC Community Markets
To help meet urgent community needs, PCC is contributing a $50,000 seed fund to support food purchases for regional hunger relief organizations including food banks and is encouraging its vendor and distributor partners to match some or all of that amount through financial or in-kind donations.
“We are committed to expanding access to nutritious food during this critical time,” said Krish Srinivasan, PCC’s president and CEO.
“As a community-owned food co-op, our mission has always been bigger than selling groceries. Even if SNAP benefits are reinstated, hunger relief organizations are seeing more need than ever before. We invite the community to join us in supporting neighbors in whatever way they can.”
PCC has also partnered with Harvest Against Hunger to invite community members to get involved. Information on ways people can help is available on PCC’s website, and tax-deductible donations can be made online through Harvest Against Hunger’s website. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to hunger relief organizations, including food banks, community kitchens and mutual aid organizations.
Financial donations can also be made in-person at all 16 of PCC’s neighborhood stores, with every dollar going to the local food banks each store supports. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to roundup to the nearest dollar at checkout to support this effort.
In addition to the fundraising campaigns, PCC is expanding its holiday Neighborhood Food Drive to run from Nov. 5-30.
The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies has launched the “Right By You” Affordability Promise.
“When families tell us they’re choosing between groceries or gas, between meat on the table or medicine in the cabinet, we can’t shrug and say ‘that’s inflation,’” said Jim Perkins, president of California-based The Save Mart Companies.
“That’s what ‘Right By You’ is all about – 12 programs, food bank matching funds and community investment. We’re meeting people where they are with solutions that actually help.”
The initiative includes 12 programs across two themes – Food Affordability and Food Access. Key components include a food bank matching funds initiative, holiday meals under $6 per person, 50 percent off select meat and produce events, expanded Flashfood availability, free November grocery delivery and military discounts.
Food Affordability
- 50 percent off select meat and produce event (Oct. 29-Nov. 4): Discounts on select proteins and fresh produce will be offered at the company’s Save Mart and Lucky stores, with additional sales planned throughout November and beyond.
- Holiday essentials pricing: Guaranteed low prices on Thanksgiving staples across all banners, with deals launching Oct. 29 (turkeys) and Oct. 31 (multiple additional items).
- Meat line launch: A new private-label line of 100 percent natural beef, poultry and pork – minimally processed with no artificial ingredients – offering families proteins at prices that make healthy eating accessible, even as meat costs continue to rise.
- Holiday meal program: A complete Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people – under $6 per person at Save Mart and Lucky and under $5 per person at FoodMaxx. Includes turkey, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls and pie. The program will be extended to Christmas with similar offerings.
- Military discount: Active service members, with valid identification, can receive a 10 percent discount at all Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx locations on Veterans Day, and then a 10 percent discount at Save Mart and Lucky, and a 5 percent discount at all FoodMaxx locations, every following Monday during November. Some exclusions apply.
Food Access
- “Friends Feeding Friends” Campaign (Nov. 5-Jan. 1): Shoppers can purchase $5 or $10 Pantry Packs at checkout to support local food banks, with 100 percent of donations staying in the communities where they’re raised. The Save Mart Companies will also be partnering with Keurig Dr Pepper to contribute up to $120,000 in matching funds in support of the program. The first food distribution will reach families before Christmas.
- DoorDash Emergency Food Response Program: Through DoorDash’s nationwide emergency initiative, The Save Mart Companies will offer free delivery and waived service fees for SNAP recipients.
- Free Home Delivery: The Save Mart Companies will offer free home delivery of grocery items bought from each of their banner e-commerce sites through the remainder of 2025. Minimum spend of $35. Service fees still apply.
- “Buy Now, Pay Later”: The Save Mart Companies will offer a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option at checkout on all banners’ e-commerce sites through third-party providers. Subject to credit approval and provider terms.
- Flashfood Partnership: Up to 50 percent off food nearing its “sell by/best by” date, now available in all Lucky stores and 11 Save Mart stores in Modesto. Discount and availability vary by location and item.
Schnucks Markets
Through Nov. 11, Missouri-based Schnuck Markets Inc. is hosting a food drive at all 113 stores to support local food banks and pantries.
Customers will be able to donate food items by purchasing them and then placing them in the donation barrels/bins that will be located in each store.
The company also will continue to work with long-time community partners such as United Way, Urban League and The Salvation Army to help get food to those in need.
[RELATED: Schnucks Markets Begins Food Drive To Help Food Banks, Pantries]
Southeastern Grocers
Florida-based Southeastern Grocers (SEG) and the SEG Gives Foundation are donating $100,000 to Feeding America to help provide more than 1 million meals.
Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket also are launching an in-store donation program beginning Nov. 1, inviting customers to donate $1, $5 or rounding up their grocery total at checkout to help local food banks. Every contribution will support Feeding America and Feeding America partner food banks.
In addition, SEG is introducing special offers and employee initiatives to provide immediate relief.
From Nov. 5-30, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket are offering a Family Meal Deal for rewards customers. Available for $14.99 (regularly up to $26.45), customers can choose from a 10-piece fried chicken, 10-piece baked chicken or four leg quarters meal – each served with six biscuits and three SE Grocers prepackaged 1-pound deli sides of their choice, including coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni salad or potato salad. For the savings to apply, all five items must be included in the same transaction, and the customer must be enrolled in Winn-Dixie Rewards or Harveys Supermarket Rewards. Limit one meal deal per transaction.
Additionally, SEG will issue a store credit to every Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket. Each store will donate $500 in products or gift cards to a local hunger-relief organization of their choice.
Superior Grocers
Superior Grocers has expanded its community food donation program to ensure families in need continued to have access to essential food items.
Working in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, both members of the Feeding America network, Superior Grocers and its supplier partners stepped up to help fill the gap during the disruption and continue to support local families now that SNAP and EBT funding have been fully restored.
This effort included milk donations from Rockview Family Farms, rice, beans, and pasta from Mercado Latino, quality meats and deli products from FUD, and additional contributions of fresh produce from Idaho Potatoes. These items were distributed through local food banks to provide relief to households experiencing food insecurity.
“We know how much families depend on SNAP and EBT benefits and how distressing it was when those benefits were temporarily at risk,” said Richard Wardwell, president and CEO, Superior Grocers.
“Even in uncertain times, our focus remains on supporting the communities we serve. We’re proud to have partnered with our local food banks and supplier partners to ensure families could continue putting food on the table.”
The Fresh Market
From Nov. 1-Dec. 31, customers shopping at all North Carolina-based The Fresh Market locations will have the opportunity to round up their total at the register or make a donation of their choice.
Every $1 donated helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks. One hundred percent of funds collected will go to the nonprofit, with 90 percent redistributed to local partner food banks and 10 percent to the Feeding America national organization.
In addition, The Fresh Market regularly donates unsold food to local Feeding America partner food banks.
[RELATED: The Fresh Market Launches Holiday Fundraiser For Feeding America]
Tops Friendly Markets
New York-based Tops Friendly Markets is launching its 21st Annual Food 2 Families campaign earlier than usual. The campaign will provide support to FeedMore WNY and surrounding food pantries throughout the region.
The grocer will also hold a donation campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 24. Donations of Little Brown Bags of Hope can be made in $5, $10 and $20 increments or customers can round up their transaction.
In addition, donations can be made online at topsneighborshelpingneighbors.com to support a family in their community. Customers can even select the food bank their donation will support. The Little Brown Bags are filled with items that can help a family stretch a meal further.
Tops will hold a one-day food drive Dec. 5 where the grocer will be joined by its media partner, WGRZ-TV Channel 2, as well as FeedMore WNY’s staff and volunteers. The grocer will accept donations at several stores, including Lockport, Tonawanda, Amherst, Depew, Hamburg and Buffalo.
Tops also recently launched its annual Christmas Bonus, helping shoppers save more than $20 million on groceries, gas and gifts.
[RELATED: Hungry Families Shouldn’t Be A Political Bargaining Chip]
Wakefern Food Corp. and ShopRite
ShopRite and Wakefern Food Corp. are pledging $1.25 million in food and funds to food banks across the region to support families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.
The donation will be distributed among regional food banks in the communities where Wakefern supermarket banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros., Morton Williams and Dearborn Market operate.
“We know many families are facing increased food insecurity and uncertainty right now, and that is why we are making this donation to food banks,” said Mike Stigers, president of New Jersey-based Wakefern Food Corp.
“More than just corporate giving, our long-term commitment to fighting hunger through our ShopRite Partners In Caring program is a testament to the power of community.”
The donation builds on Wakefern and ShopRite’s decades-long commitment to addressing food insecurity. Through ShopRite Partners In Caring, the cooperative has contributed more than $65 million to more than 2,500 charities and hunger-fighting organizations since the program’s inception in 1999.
“Wakefern members represent family-owned businesses and live and work in the communities where their supermarkets operate,” said Sean McMenamin, Wakefern chairman and president of Philadelphia-based McMenamin Family ShopRite.
“We know the people who come into our stores – they are friends and neighbors. We’ve watched their kids grow up, celebrated milestones with them, and now, in this challenging moment, we want to help make things a little better for those who are struggling.”