"At issue is SNAP’s “Equal Treatment Rule,” which bars stores from either discriminating against people in the program or offering them favorable treatment. "
If you give SNAP beneficiaries a discount that isn't gov subsidised, all things same everyone not in SNAP might theoretically pay more.
It sounds reasonable, but tinfoil time, unless they normally have people watching this, it feels like the USDA was told or anticipated this.
So much of this gives "Look what you made me do" vibes.
SNAP increases demand for eligible goods. Increased demand increases prices.
People pay taxes to fund SNAP. Private discounts for SNAP recipients could reduce SNAP expenses theoretically.
This whole thing with SNAP is an experiment by them. They are trying to introduce "temporary" measures and situations to condition people. The Nixon zombies running the Republican party have dreamt of this opportunity for decades.