Wyden Introduces Bill to Support SNAP Recipients During Trump Government Shutdown
Legislation follows reporting that Trump administration is trying to block grocers from offering discounted prices to SNAP recipients during the ongoing government shutdown
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today introduced legislation that would allow grocery stores nationwide to voluntarily offer discounts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients whenever a government shutdown prevents them from getting their full benefits, if they choose to.
Introduction of the Emergency Relief for Hungry Families Act follows reporting earlier this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is trying to block grocery stores from offering discounted prices to SNAP recipients in their communities, including in Roseburg, Oregon, where Grocery Outlet was instructed by USDA to stop offering discounts.
“On top of Donald Trump’s government shutdown ending food assistance for 42 million Americans, his administration is making a craven attempt to penalize grocers working to support hungry families in their community,” Wyden said. “Donald Trump is the most powerful person in the world. Only a monster would use that power to deny help to millions of families that don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”
Funding for food assistance programs, including SNAP, expired on November 1, 2025. Earlier this week, a federal court ruled that the Trump administration must use an existing contingency fund to extend food assistance funding. It remains unclear if the Administration will abide by the court order.
In addition to Wyden, the legislation was cosponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.
Legislative text can be found here.
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