Walmart Dismisses Viral Claims of Store Closures Amid SNAP Benefit Concerns

Social media has been flooded with viral videos claiming that Walmart plans to shut its doors nationwide this weekend due to concerns over potential disruptions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These claims, which have garnered hundreds of thousands of views across platforms like TikTok, have been categorically denied by the retail giant.

“We will continue to be open for business,” a Walmart spokesperson confirmed, dismissing the rumors as “false.” The statement aims to reassure the millions of Americans who rely on the retailer for groceries and essential items.

The misinformation spread rapidly across social media, with one TikTok video posted by user @kavellkavon amassing more than 500,000 views. The video claimed Walmart was “thinking about closing their doors on November 1” so customers could only order groceries online, allegedly in response to threats of looting if SNAP benefits were interrupted.

Another video by TikTok user @UncutRealness, which garnered over one million views, made similar assertions, stating, “Walmart said their doors will be locked.” Neither video cited official sources or provided evidence for these claims.

The viral posts emerged against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about the federal government shutdown, which has lasted nearly a month as lawmakers have failed to pass a funding bill. The situation has created uncertainty regarding the continuation of SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to approximately 42 million Americans according to recent USDA data.

The funding impasse centers on a bill that passed the House of Representatives but has stalled in the Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but the legislation requires a 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster. Only two Democratic senators have expressed support for the bill.

Democratic lawmakers have withheld support, citing concerns about health care subsidies established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are set to expire at year’s end. Meanwhile, Republicans maintain there is no path to fund SNAP if the government shutdown continues, though Democrats counter that the USDA has contingency plans that could sustain the program through November.

The potential interruption of SNAP benefits has created widespread anxiety among recipients. For many low-income households, these benefits represent a critical lifeline for putting food on the table. The average monthly SNAP benefit is approximately $190 per person, according to federal statistics, making any disruption potentially devastating for vulnerable populations.

Walmart plays a particularly important role in the SNAP ecosystem as one of the largest retailers accepting these benefits. In many rural and underserved communities, Walmart serves as a primary grocery outlet, making any potential closure especially impactful for SNAP recipients.

Retail industry analysts note that SNAP benefits also represent significant revenue for grocery retailers. A 2019 USDA report estimated that SNAP recipients spend approximately $70 billion annually on eligible food items, with major retailers like Walmart capturing a substantial portion of these transactions.

As the political stalemate continues in Washington, the spread of misinformation adds another layer of stress for Americans already concerned about food security. Fact-checkers and retailers like Walmart find themselves responding to viral rumors that can spread faster than accurate information.

The episode highlights how social media can rapidly amplify unverified claims during periods of uncertainty, particularly when they concern essential services and government programs that millions of Americans depend upon for basic necessities.