USDA delays SNAP rule enforcement for bodegas

Breaking FAA ground stop live updates: What to know as flights are grounded FOOD & DRINK USDA delays SNAP rule enforcement for bodegas Stream New York's #1 news - AccuWeather - original content 24/7 Friday, November 13, 2026 10:24PM Share Follow abc7NY on Google NEW YORK (WABC) -- Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will delay enforcement of a new rule requiring SNAP-authorized retailers to meet expanded stocking standards, giving bodegas and other small retailers an additional 90 days to comply. The rule had been scheduled to take effect Nov. 4 and applies to stores that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Under the USDA's final rule, SNAP-authorized retailers must offer at least seven varieties of food in each of four categories: dairy, grains, proteins, and fruits and vegetables. According to City Hall, the extension follows negotiations with the Trump administration and comes after concerns from bodega owners and convenience store operators who said they needed more time to understand the requirements, obtain qualifying products and make necessary investments. "When hundreds of bodegas came to our administration asking for help, we stood with them. These neighborhood businesses are the backbone of our small business economy and an essential source of affordable food for more than one million New Yorkers - and 36 million Americans - who rely on SNAP," Mamdani said. "Without more time, many of these stores risked losing the ability to accept SNAP - threatening their livelihoods and making it harder for families to put food on the table. I am grateful that President Trump has agreed to delay beginning enforcement of this rule, and we will continue fighting to protect our neighborhood businesses and the New Yorkers who depend on them." Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su said city officials heard concerns directly from bodega owners about complying with the federal requirements. "When we met with bodega owners at City Hall last month, we heard from them directly about how they wanted to comply with the new federal rule, but that they didn't have the resources, the guidance, or the time to do so," Su said. "We told them we would fight for them and we meant it. Now this extension gives them a welcome reprieve and time to make these changes. Our smallest businesses are a foundational part of our administration's commitment to economic justice. We will continue to engage with bodegas across our city to build a city for all." City officials said they will continue working with store owners to help them understand and comply with the new requirements before enforcement begins. The city said the delay is intended to provide additional time for SNAP-authorized retailers to meet the expanded stocking standards while continuing to serve customers who rely on the food assistance program. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Download our connected TV app Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. FAA ground stop live updates: What to know as nationwide flights are grounded 22 minutes ago FAA ground stop ordered nationwide, including major NYC-area airports 26 minutes ago Emergency crews responding to vessel collision near Port of New Orleans on Mississippi River 33 minutes ago Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics FOOD & DRINK NEW YORK CITY SNAP BENEFITS Watch Live ON NOW FAA ground stop live updates: What to know as flights are grounded 22 minutes ago NYC-area airports impacted by nationwide FAA ground stop 26 minutes ago Over 30 injured after tanker collides with riverboat in New Orleans: Officials 33 minutes ago Brooklyn residents express grief, anger as collapse probe continues Girl pleads for cat to be found after Brooklyn building collapse 2 hours ago