I manage a small grocery in a mid-sized town. I’m used to seeing packed carts at checkout; lately a new scene emerges: customers push carts, scan price tags, put back expensive items, and walk to the register with only two or three things. Some stand at the register, calm but with red eyes. Our in-store data show EBT transactions down nearly 40%, and even non-EBT cash spending is down—people are cutting overall consumption. As a local retailer we’re partnering with a food bank to offer discounted bundles and short-term credit for regulars. When systems fail, towns rely on each other—not on algorithms. #SNAPInterrupted #LocalBusiness #CommunityResponse