Government shutdown impacting millions with SNAP benefits
Columbus Dispatch reporter Sophia Veneziano talks about the impact that Ohioans, millions nationwide will soon face regarding SNAP benefits.
Rumors that Walmart will “lock their doors” at the start of November due to SNAP benefits facing cuts during the ongoing government shutdown have sparked a flurry of TikTok claims that the retail giant will only allow online orders and parking lot pickups.
The online ire has been fueled by unverified claims that those losing SNAP benefits planned to “loot” Walmart stores, leading to their closure.
But is it true? Here’s what we know about Walmart’s response to the claim, how and why the rumors started, and why the claims have been misunderstood.
What are the rumors about a pending Walmart closure?
Two TikTok videos, with a combined 1.7 million-plus views as of Oct. 29, have amplified rumors that all Walmart stores will close Nov. 1, with doors “locked” and shoppers only allowed to place online orders for parking lot pickup.
One TikTok video with over 1.1 million views as of Oct. 29, posted by @uncutrealness, claims Walmart’s “decision” came after “y’all keep acting a fool and saying what y’all gonna do when y’all don’t get your SNAP benefits.”
The second video, posted by @kavellkavon on TikTok, claims “the brokies made a threat towards Walmart” that they’re “going straight to the Walmart to get everything they need.” Brokies is a slang term, often used in a derogatory way, to describe those with little or no money.
Are Walmart closing stores in November 2025?
No, Walmart is not “locking” their doors nor are any Walmart stores closing their doors on Nov. 1, 2025, due to any reasons related to the government shutdown, SNAP cuts, or any alleged rumors of planned thefts or loots. A Walmart spokesperson told Snopes this week Walmart will remain open for business on Nov. 1, 2025.
Walmart is one of the largest grocery retailers that processes SNAP EBT transactions, which are cards similar to debit cards used to purchase food and other basic necessities. Walmart accounts for 24% of SNAP shoppers’ total spending, Newsweek reports.
Who started the rumors of Walmart stores closing?
Rumors of Walmart closing stores stem from at least two viral videos from @uncutrealness and @kevallkavon, which have combined garnered over 1.7 million views as of Oct. 28. These likely fueled already heightened fears over SNAP and WIC benefits facing cuts during the government shutdown.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federal program that provides low-income families monthly benefits in order to afford healthy food. Over 40 million Americans rely on these benefits, including nearly three million New Yorkers.
Will SNAP benefits be issued Nov. 1?
There will not be enough funding to pay the entirely of SNAP benefits in November if the ongoing goverment shutdown continues, the USDA said in a letter dated Oct. 10. “Bottom line, the well has run dry,” a message on the USDA’s website says.
Millions of people are at risk of losing critical food assistance, although it’s important to note that while benefits are funded at the federal level, each state is responsible for distributing those benefits to residents. That means that if one state makes an announcement about delays, cuts, or schedule changes, it only applies to those living in that state.
According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, if SNAP benefits are halted, it would be the first time a federal administration has stopped food assistance during a government shutdown in U.S. history.
How is New York helping its residents with food access?
States aren’t able to pay for SNAP payments and be reimbursed, according to the USDA. However, Hochul announced on Oct. 27 the state is fast-tracking $30 million in state funds to support over 16 million meals in response to the possible pause of SNAP benefits, which is in addition to the over $11 million the state allocated last week to support local emergency food relief.
Hochul says New York state residents who use SNAP will be notified of any official updates regarding their November benefits’ status by Nov. 1.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also announced a lawsuit with 24 other state leaders and the District of Columbia on Oct. 28 against the USDA for “unlawfully suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.”
The lawsuit states the agency has to provide benefits as long as it has funding, which the coalition of Attorneys General says the USDA has by way of billions of dollars in contingency funds for this specific scenario. James and the other state leaders are asking for immediate intervention by the court to ensure the existing contingency funds are used through the shutdown.
MORE: SNAP benefits may stop Nov. 1. Here’s how to find food banks in New York
Walmart stores in New York
To find your closest Walmart, go to the store locator on the company’s website and enter your zip code.
There are more than 4,500 Walmart stores of all sizes (including more than 3,500 Walmart Supercenter stores) in the nation with roughly 100 of those stores located within New York state.
Contributing: USA Today Network
