Store Qualification Criteria | Food and Nutrition Administration

Certainly! Here’s a summary of the information regarding SNAP retailers and their requirements:

SNAP Retailers Requirements

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) retailers help eligible households access nutritious food. To qualify as a SNAP retailer, stores must meet one of two criteria:

1. Criterion A: Staple Food Inventory

   • Minimum of 36 staple food items:
     • Variety Requirement: At least three varieties in each of the four staple food categories (e.g., grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables, protein).
     • Stocking Units: Three stocking units for each variety.
     • Perishable Items: One perishable variety in at least two categories.

2. Criterion B: Staple Food Sales

   • Sales Requirement: Over 50% of total gross retail sales must come from staple foods.
   • Specialty stores, like butcher shops or fruit stands, may also meet this criterion if they do not carry enough diversity in all four staple categories.

Key Terms:

• Staple Foods: Basic foods that are typically cooked and consumed at home.
• Variety: A type of food that has a distinct main ingredient.
• Stocking Unit: The typical packaging of a product (e.g., can, box).
• Perishable Foods: Fresh or refrigerated items that spoil within three weeks at room temperature.

Additional Considerations:

• Access Needs: Stores in areas with limited food access may still qualify even if they don’t meet Criteria A or B.
• Restaurants: Generally, SNAP cannot be used at restaurants unless they participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.
• Co-Location: Firms at the same location can be considered as a single entity for eligibility purposes.

Helpful Resources

For more detailed information and resources regarding retailer eligibility, refer to the SNAP official guidelines.