It’s not like mom and pop stores are equipped to source things locally any better than Walmart. They would also be relying on the same imports from abroad, but would not have the bargaining power that Walmart has.

I’d rather buy from Walmart than Amazon. At least Walmart pays local taxes and has some level of quality assurance on their merchandise.

> aren't their employees on food stamps at some ridiculously high rate?

Welfare like food stamps is a subsidy /against/ Walmart, not for it. You are supporting the employees by paying for their food, which means they can negotiate for higher wages, which means Walmart pays them more.

An example of the other kind would be literal wage subsidies, which are sometimes paid so companies will hire mentally disabled people.