By DEE-ANN DURBIN, Associated Press Business Writer

A little more than a year ago, Ryan Sprankle welcomed President Donald Trump to one of the three grocery stores his family owns near Pittsburgh. Trump was on the campaign trail ; they talked about high grocery prices, and the Republican nominee picked up a bag of popcorn.

But these days, Sprankle would have a different message if Trump or any lawmakers visited his store. He wants them to know that delayed SNAP benefits during the government shutdown hurt his customers and his small, independent chain.

People leave Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Kittanning, Pa. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

“You can’t take away from the most needy people in the country. It’s inhumane,” Sprankle said. “It’s a lack of empat

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