Mamdani strikes deal with Trump for 90-day pause on SNAP stocking rules for corner stores

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Friday (November 13) that he has reached a deal with President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to delay new stocking rules for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by at least 90 days, giving tens of thousands of small shops across the country more time to comply. The delay takes effect on Friday, with the new compliance deadline set for February 2, 2026.

New requirements were a heavy lift for small shops

The rules, drawn up by the US Department of Agriculture, were due to take effect on November 4. They require shops that accept SNAP benefits to carry at least seven varieties of food in each of four staple categories — dairy, grains, protein, and fruits or vegetables — raising the total number of required items from seven to 28, and to stock perishable items in three of the categories. The change was manageable for large supermarket chains but a heavy burden for corner stores and small grocers. According to the Food Research and Action Center, small shops make up roughly 70% of all SNAP retailers.

Mamdani says more than a million New Yorkers affected

Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon, Mamdani said the rules had thrown the lives of “more than a million New Yorkers” and “tens of millions more across America” into disarray. He had written to Rollins last week asking for a six-month postponement, and hundreds of bodega owners in the city had sought his help. “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,” he said in a statement. During the delay, city agencies will work with the USDA to help store owners stock up and add storage equipment.

Industry welcomes the move

Agri-Pulse reported the Agriculture Department has confirmed the 90-day delay, and an industry group thanked Trump, Mamdani and Rollins for “acknowledging the importance of giving retailers more time to comply.” Mamdani said the extension would last “at least” 90 days, and the city will keep pressing for a longer reprieve.

Sources: The Guardian; Civil Eats; Agri-Pulse. The delay is as announced by the Agriculture Department.