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Mamdani and Trump agree to delay on food stamp rules that put benefit at risk for millions
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured a 90-day delay on new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules after discussions with Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, allowing bodegas and corner stores more time to comply.
- The new USDA guidelines, originally set to take effect by November 4, require stores to stock at least seven varieties in each staple food category and offer perishable items in three categories.
- Mamdani highlighted that the rules threatened the ability of over a million New Yorkers and tens of millions nationwide to use SNAP benefits, especially in food deserts where small stores are often the only accessible option.
- Advocates and small retailers expressed concern that the tight compliance deadline could force many bodegas and convenience stores, which constitute about 70% of SNAP retailers, out of business.
- Over 100 bodega owners contacted Mamdani’s office with concerns, underscoring the impact on more than 10,000 such stores across New York City's five boroughs.
