Publisher: Supermarket News
Published: September 24, 2026
Source: Read at Supermarket News (https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-labor/grocery-workers-are-struggling-since-snap-cuts)
Category: Food Access
Grocery and convenience stores in Arizona lost more than 2% of their jobs in the first quarter of 2026, compared with a nationwide decrease of about 0.5%. Arizona grocery wages dropped 3%, while wages fell by less than 1% nationwide. Economists said the loss of SNAP spending for about 175,000 Arizona residents might have contributed to the results. Grocery employment fell around 19% in Santa Cruz County and 13% in Graham County, while Arizona SNAP benefits fell 54.8%.
Why this matters: SNAP reductions can lower purchasing power at grocery stores and put pressure on store employment and wages. Independent grocers in communities with high SNAP participation may face similar sales pressure when benefits decline.
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