In addition to the hardship many families could face, SNAP cuts could lead to the loss of grocery stores in rural areas that already have few food retailers. Republican cuts to the federal food stamp program could put millions of people at risk of losing benefits, which would make it harder for them to afford groceries. But the changes could have further consequences, as the reductions squeeze small grocery stores that depend on those customers. Roughly 27,000 food retailers that largely operate in rural counties face the highest risks from the cuts.