While the USDA's notice focuses on maintaining equal treatment among shoppers, state-level changes to SNAP are also on the horizon. Texas and several other states are preparing to restrict purchases of certain "junk food" and soft drinks with SNAP benefits beginning in 2026.

After SNAP benefits were halted Saturday, the USDA reminded retailers they must comply with the Equal Treatment Rule, which bars special food discounts for SNAP/EBT customers.

"We are seeing it, we're seeing it vividly. But Manna House has stepped up and we are ready to help," said Manna House executive director Norma Belcher.

USDA reminds Texas retailers not to offer special discounts to SNAP customers as the federal government moves to partially restore benefits for thousands of families

The Trump administration agreed to issue partial benefits to SNAP recepients following two federal court rulings. However, the calculations and distributions could take anywhere from days to months.

A new memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the federal government is working to release full November SNAP benefits as soon as today, even as the Trump administration continues to argue in court that it doesn’t have the funding to do so.

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.

Under a new rule tucked into Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, young adults aging out of foster care must work, volunteer or attend school for at least 80 hours per month to qualify for benefits.