The Brief
- The ongoing government shutdown has halted SNAP benefits, hitting small grocers like Food Basket in South Dallas hard.
- Store director Joshua Southers says sales have dropped 40% since Nov. 1, forcing layoffs and even hiring security amid theft concerns.
- In the surrounding 75241 and 75216 ZIP codes, roughly 63% of households rely on SNAP — leaving both families and local businesses struggling.
OAK CLIFF, Texas – The ongoing government shutdown has brought difficult circumstances for families reliant on federal funding.
The suspension of SNAP benefits is touching not just families, however, but also the grocers that provide the food.
North Texas grocers and government shutdown
Maybe not so much for big national or regional grocery store chains, but for the smaller markets and small business owners, it’s having a major impact.
Food Basket store director Joshua Southers says stopping SNAP benefits hurts in multiple ways.…