More than 42 million Americans are expected to lose their SNAP/food stamps benefits in November as the government shutdown continues. In response, rumors have circulated on social media, claiming some stores plan to close to avoid public chaos due to the changes to the federal program.
When will SNAP benefits end?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is set to “run dry” on Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. This will affect over 22 million American households that rely on those benefits to feed their families, USA Today reported.
The looming cutoff has also sparked online rumors that Walmart stores nationwide will “lock their doors” on Nov. 1 in response to the SNAP cuts. Some TikTok users have spread those claims on the platform, stating that the retail giant will only allow online orders and parking lot pickups, but shopping in person will not be available, according to NorthJersey.com and the Miami Herald.
TikTok users and videos have spread the circulated claims about Walmart
One TikTok video, posted by @news18946 and presented as a news segment, claimed Walmart would “close its doors” to in-person shoppers, forcing customers to shop online or use curbside pickup. The clip further stated that the company wants to “avoid possible disorder” from the public and “prevent chaos before it starts.”
Another TikTok user, @uncutrealness, shared a video that garnered 1.1 million views, making similar claims. “Breaking news just in — Walmart said not today, baby! November 1st, they locking them doors like Fort Knox. You can order online, but don’t even think about stepping inside!” the TikTok user wrote in the post’s caption.
Multiple people in the comments section, who claim they work for Walmart or have friends and family who do, have argued against her claim, stating that Walmart hasn’t sent any memo to employees about the rumored store closures. Others chimed in as well, saying the rumor is false.
A third TikTok user, @kavellkavon, also contributed to the online chatter, saying that “the brokies made a threat toward Walmart” and that those who will be affected by the SNAP cuts are “going straight to the Walmart to get everything they need.” The TikTok user added that the retail giant would have law enforcement on standby and suggested that people should find work rather than rely on government assistance.
Are the rumors about nationwide Walmart closures true? Here’s everything we know about the online claims.
Will Walmart close stores nationwide on Nov. 1?
According to fact-checking from Snopes, Walmart will not close on Nov. 1, despite widespread claims on social media stating otherwise. TikTok users started the rumor, racking up thousands and millions of views on the social media platform without citing their sources.
A Walmart spokesperson told McClatchy News on Oct. 28 that the rumors are false, and the retailer has no plans to shut down in response to SNAP cuts and the government shutdown, per the Miami Herald.
The circulated rumor started from unverified sources, vague headlines and TikTok users who spread false information to other online users.
The USDA has blamed Senate Democrats for both the government shutdown and the upcoming SNAP benefit shortage in November. While a $5 billion contingency fund could provide some relief, the federal agency said the money is reserved for more urgent needs.
“SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits. The contingency fund is not available to support FY 2026 regular benefits, because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists,” a USDA memo stated, according to Reuters.