BLUE EARTH, Minn. (FOX 9) - Rural Minnesota communities are feeling the pinch as delayed SNAP benefits impact local grocery stores and the broader economy.

Impact on rural grocery stores

What we know:

Juba's Supervalu, the only grocery store in Blue Earth, serves about 1,300 customers weekly but is seeing a decline in sales with the delay in SNAP funding. The store's owner, Tim Juba, expressed concern over the financial hit, saying, "A lot of us, local, small town grocery stores, our sales are declining, our customer count is declining, and this is just kind of a punch in the gut for us."

The backstory:

SNAP benefits are critical for about 10% of Faribault County residents. When these benefits are delayed or reduced, grocery stores like Juba's face decreased sales, which can lead

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