The AP reports that the proposed rules are designed to ensure that the 46 million-plus
Americans who use food stamps have better access to healthy foods. A person
using food stamp dollars could still purchase junk food, but would have more
options in the store to buy fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats and bread.
According to the Federal Register website, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
is proposing changes that address depth of stock, amend the definition of
staple foods, and amend the definition of “retail food store” to clarify when a
retailer is a restaurant rather than a retail food store. The rulemaking also
proposes that FNS begin disclosing to the public specific information about
retailers who have violated SNAP rules.
The 2014 Farm Bill increases the requirement that certain SNAP authorized retail food stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of items in each of four staple food categories to a mandatory statutory minimum of seven varieties. Further, the 2014 Farm Bill increases the minimum number of categories in which perishable foods are required from two to three.
Kevin Concannon, USDA
undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, said in a statement, "USDA
is committed to expanding access for SNAP participants to the types of foods
that are important to a healthy diet. This proposed rule ensures that retailers
who accept SNAP benefits offer a variety of products to support healthy choices
for those participating in the program."
However, in a message on its website, the
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), an industry trade group, says
the rule change goes “significantly beyond” the statutory requirements in the 2014 Farm Bill and concluded that, “As currently drafted, the proposal will make it increasingly difficult for convenience store owners and operators to participate in SNAP, which in turn will negatively impact the many SNAP recipients that use their benefits at NACS members’ stores.”
Comments on this proposed rule can
be made via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal until April 18, 2016.
