Residents and community groups in Newport News, Virginia, are concerned about availability to reasonably priced, healthful food in low-income regions after a small grocery store and USDA-registered urban farm was refused permission to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Semi-It Market, situated at 3401 Chestnut Avenue, that it is not eligible to receive SNAP since it contains specific prepared foods.
Even if the market generally satisfies the basic eligibility requirements, the USDA noted its policy that forbids businesses from operating primarily as restaurants or hot-food providers if they wish to accept SNAP.
“We’re in a USDA-labeled food desert — but USDA won’t let our neighbors use food stamps,” Cindy Rosa, owner of Semi-It Market stated. “We have healthy food on the shelves, but customers walk out empty-handed. It’s a failure of policy and common sense.”
All four of the USDA-mandated staple food categories for SNAP retailers—dairy, dry goods, produce, and protein—are available at Semi-It Market.
The store not only sells goods but also functions as a USDA-registered farm, cultivating crops on-site to promote its mission of community resilience and affordable food.
Its distinctive business strategy combines retail and agriculture, with a focus on giving residents of a neighbourhood with restricted access to food wholesome, locally sourced goods.
According to documents provided by the market’s proprietors, their primary business strategy is based on providing reasonably priced food items rather than prepared meals.
They contend that the prepared meal options are limited and more of an add-on than a primary purpose for the store.
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The USDA’s strict implementation of the law, according to market representatives, “fails to account for local context,” especially in impoverished urban regions where small hybrid companies like theirs may meet vital requirements.
Semi-It Market is attempting to restore its eligibility to receive SNAP benefits by appealing the USDA’s ruling. The case’s verdict may have wider ramifications for small, neighbourhood food producers and retailers trying to satisfy low-income customers while adhering to stringent federal regulations.
“This isn’t just hurting a small business — it’s hurting children, seniors, and families who rely on EBT to survive,” Rosa continued. “We’re asking elected officials at every level to help fix this broken process before more communities are shut out.”
