I’m 27 and work as a cashier at a neighborhood grocery store. Recently, management has been stressing that we must strictly follow SNAP rules, because if an item that isn’t eligible goes through, the store could face fines or penalties. Just last week, a customer came through with bread and a small cake. When she swiped her SNAP card, the system immediately flagged the cake as ineligible. The customer looked embarrassed, and her child started crying. All I could say was, “That’s the policy,” but it didn’t feel good. To avoid risk, my supervisor even pre-blocked certain items that might be questionable. But that only made more shoppers feel like we were being “heartless.” As frontline workers, we’re stuck between following compliance and trying to show basic empathy to our neighbors. I understand SNAP is meant to ensure access to essential food, but the way it’s enforced often lacks flexibility. Shouldn’t there be clearer guidance—or limited exceptions—for situations like a child’s birthday cake or specific nutrition items? That way we could stay compliant without taking away small moments of joy. Do you think SNAP enforcement should allow more flexibility, or is strict compliance the only fair way? #SNAPVoices #SNAPLife