LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Small grocery markets on Las Vegas’s Eastside and Westside say they are struggling to stay open following changes to federal SNAP benefits that took effect earlier this year, with some owners reporting layoffs and reduced store hours.
Mario Berlanga, owner of Mario’s Westside Market, said sales are down 30% compared to last year.
“I think we’re just in a world of trouble right now,” Berlanga said.
MORE ON FOX5: AMPLIFIED: Aftermarket strains under SNAP changes
Layoffs and reduced hours
Berlanga said the drop in sales has forced him to cut staff and shorten store hours.
“Over 20 people have lost their job because there’s just no business,” he said.
He said much of his day is now spent on the phone with vendors, negotiating to bring grocery prices down as low as possible. Berlanga also said road construction near the store is making it harder for customers to get in and out, compounding the impact of reduced SNAP benefits.
Customers stretching every dollar
Berlanga said the SNAP changes are directly affecting what customers can afford to buy and how often they visit.
“When you’re used to feeding your family of four or five with $200 and now you have to do it with $80 — you really watch and see what you can pick up,” he said.
He said customers are panicking over how to feed their families.
“You can tell that everybody’s panicking and that’s what everybody’s talking about is how they’re going to feed their families,” Berlanga said.
Eastside businesses report the same pressure
Businesses on the Eastside say they are facing similar conditions. One owner said more than half of their customers have been affected by the SNAP changes.
“Now all the homeless people come in here, they don’t have money,” that owner said. “All of them were thirsty.”
That owner also said they laid off a worker and are now working more hours themselves to compensate.
County commissioner responds
County Commissioner Tick Segerblom said his district is being hit hard because many low-wage workers who used SNAP benefits to supplement their paychecks are no longer eligible for the program. Segerblom said food banks are helping fill some of the gap but that the community needs more support.
We reached out to the SBA Nevada Office, they said the SCORE program offers free support for small businesses.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
