Wegmans Cuts Prices as Shoppers Adjust to SNAP Disruption

In response to the lingering effects of the government shutdown, Wegmans Food Markets has initiated temporary price reductions (TPRs) on approximately 100 items throughout its 98 stores.  

Wegmans initiated the TPRs, which began on Feb. 16 and will run through March 2, in response to a plea for help from one of the retailer’s United Way partners which “let us know there are people still dealing with the consequences of the recent government shutdown,” according to a statement from Wegmans Chairman Danny Wegman. “In particular, they called out the fact that February SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were paid in advance and that this timing created a challenge in February for some recipients,” Wegman said.

“The most direct way for us to help,” he continued, “is by lowering prices for all customers ... on the items that will make nutritious meals at a truly affordable cost.”

With the exception of iceberg lettuce and red seedless grapes, all items covered in the TPRs are for Wegmans’ own brands, including potatoes, yellow onions, salad blends; chicken breast ($1.69 per pound) and 80% ground beef ($1.99 per pound); frozen vegetables; eggs and yogurt; pasta sauce; pasta; and ready-to-serve and condensed soups.

“Making a difference in every community we serve is one of our core values to ensure a healthy and vibrant place for our employees and customers to live and work,” Wegman added.