Grocers warn penny shortage may force cash rounding, risking SNAP rule violations.

Grocers nationwide warn that the U.S. Mint’s halt in penny production in August may force them to round cash prices to the nearest nickel, risking violations of federal SNAP rules requiring equal pricing for all payment methods. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, retailers requested clear guidance to avoid legal exposure while adapting to the penny’s absence, underscoring concerns over compliance and fair pricing in everyday transactions.