KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The federal government shutdown reached 36 days, becoming the longest in U.S. history, as Senate lawmakers remain gridlocked on a funding deal.
Missouri plans to issue partial SNAP benefits, according to a statement announced by Missouri’s Department of Social Services. The department said it hopes the funding helps put food on the table for families.
Thousands in the region are still waiting for benefits, and the shortage is affecting local grocery stores.
Local stores see immediate impact
Chris Kavadas, manager of Happy Foods in Kansas City, said roughly 60% of his shoppers use SNAP benefits.
“Their buying habits is completely different because now they’re buying just the things they have to have. They’re buying a lot less,” Kavadas said.
Four days into November, the store is down $14,000 compared to the same time last month.
The federal government shutdown reached 36 days, becoming the longest in U.S. history, as Senate lawmakers remain gridlocked on a funding deal.(KCTV5/Grace Smith)
“It not only hurts the people that are getting the food stamps, it hurts our employees. Because as business goes down, you’ve got to cut back on hours,” Kavadas said.
Preparing for the Holidays
The timing creates additional strain as the grocery store is trying to buy for the Holidays.
“Normally, we would be buying heavy, making a lot of big displays. But that’s the kind of stuff that you buy for the holiday. So, if you buy it and they don’t have the money, you’re stuck,” Kavadas said.
Shopper Ardene said she’s only shopping for deals right now.
“If I can afford it. If I can’t, I will leave it,” she said. “It’s incredibly hard right now.”
Store manager considers options
Kavadas said the store plans to re-evaluate after Thanksgiving. He said every store has a cushion, but it will only last so long.
He said he doesn’t want to raise prices or cut jobs. He’s also considering enhancing security as shoplifting increases during hard times.
“Support the local grocer as much as you can because without him, you’re in trouble, everybody is in trouble,” Kavadas said.
In his 40 years of experience, Kavadas said he has never experienced anything like this.
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