Families struggling financially will now have a chance to buy food economically and in bulk, as Costco has announced it will accept food stamps at all of its locations nationwide.
According to the Seattle Times, half of the stores will likely have the means to accept food stamps by Thanksgiving. The stores will only offer their food products as eligible to be purchased by food stamps, other items such as diapers or pre-made hot food would not be.
Costco had toyed with the idea of accepting food stamps earlier this year, albeit in a much smaller scope. In June two New York City-area stores in Astoria, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn began accepting food stamps on trial basis. Months later, Costco CEO Jim Sinegal said that the economic situation had dictated that the program become more widespread.
“The rules are different today,” he said, according to the Times. “People who were in good shape financially all of the sudden are needing some assistance.”
With many struggling to purchase essential items for their household such as food – food-stamp users recently hit 36 million in the U.S., according to the Associated Press – taking out a payday loan may be another solution for immediate money needs for one’s family.
