Big Grocery Chains Don’t Expect Problems With EBT Customers
Despite rumors and worry, major supermarkets in Northwest Georgia aren’t implementing any special plans to handle those whose EBT funds have run out. The federal government isn’t funding the $8 billion needed for more than 40 million people on the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) because of the government shutdown. That means recipients didn’t get their EBT cards reloaded today but they can use any existing balance on the card until it runs out.
Three major grocery chains in the area – Ingle’s, Kroger, and Walmart – state they will carry on as usual even though many EBT customers posted online they plan on stealing food either from the store or from customers exiting the store with groceries.
Ingle’s customer service said EBT customers would need to pay for groceries with alternative methods and they would call law enforcement if thefts were attempted. They advised customers worried about safety to call ahead for curbside delivery. An Ingle’s staff member will bring groceries to your vehicle and load them for you.
Curbside delivery is also an option at Kroger and Walmart. Kroger also said EBT customers will need to find a different way to pay. However, the store chain has reported problems accepting EBT payments for months.People reported EBT cards being declined even with money on it. It updated its system to handle them better and make using EBT cards online more functional, according to a press release.
Kroger’s policy is the customer must pay for groceries another way if an EBT transaction fails regardless of the reason.
Walmart said rumors of the company closing stores Nov. 1 to avoid theft and violence aren’t true. All stores are open and will remain open during standard, posted hours. They will accept EBT cards as long as the transaction is approved.
President Donald Trump continues to state White House attorneys are trying to find ways to fund SNAP but available government funds have restrictions for its use. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a contingency reserve of $5 billion that legally could be used but that is held back for natural disaster emergency funding. It’s hurricane season so officials want to hold it back for possible community disasters. USDA contingency funds fall short of the $8 billion needed. Several states, including Virginia, have declared state emergencies over a lack of SNAP funding so they will be at the top of the list if that money is released.
Georgia Gov. Jack Kemp said he will not use any of the state’s surplus to fund SNAP.
Two courts ruled last week that the Trump administration must fund SNAP. Trump said attorneys are seeking court guidance on how to do that as the courts offered no guidance on how to legally fund the food assistance program. The military has been paid with a $130 million private donation and contingency money in a Pentagon account. The military and federal law enforcement will continue to be paid throughout the shutdown, Trump said.
Trump said those wanting SNAP funding restored should call Sen. Chuck Schumer and demand Democrats vote to reopen the government. He gave Schumer’s office phone number: (202) 224-6542. Georgians can also call its two U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff at (202) 224-3631 and Raphael Warnock at (202) 224-4621.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S, Canada, the UK and Germany. She is a former news director of Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio. She is on Facebook, X, YouTube, content on Substack, and has a podcast on Rumble.