New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about businesses unlawfully refusing to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The alert comes amid concerns that some grocery stores and other retailers in the state have denied consumers the ability to use their existing SNAP balances, despite being enrolled in the program.
Attorney General James sent cease-and-desist letters to several grocery stores that have reportedly refused to honor SNAP payments. She also encouraged consumers to file complaints with her office if they encounter any business, approved as a SNAP retailer, that refuses their benefits.
“New Yorkers must be able to use their existing SNAP benefits – or food stamps – at any business that is part of the program,” said Attorney General James. “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.”
According to current federal guidelines, consumers may continue using their EBT cards at any authorized retailer for existing balances. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has received reports of certain grocery stores denying customers this right. In response, James’s office advises individuals who are denied use of their EBT card despite having a balance to inform store staff and file a complaint with OAG.
Cease-and-desist letters were specifically sent to ShopRite and Hannaford after reports surfaced that shoppers were prevented from paying with EBT cards at these locations. Both chains are approved SNAP retailers and have previously accepted such payments.
SNAP supports nearly three million people in New York State alone, including almost one million children and over 600,000 older adults. Children and seniors represent nearly 60 percent of all recipients, while around seven percent are disabled veterans or individuals with disabilities. Monthly distributions total approximately $650 million statewide.
Earlier this year, Attorney General James joined 25 other attorneys general and governors in suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture following an announcement threatening suspension of November SNAP benefits due to a federal government shutdown. This legal action aimed to protect food assistance for more than 40 million people across the country. On October 31, a court order required contingency funds be used for partial funding; by November 6, another ruling mandated full nationwide funding for SNAP benefits.
