USDA Proposes SNAP Application Form Update

Recommendations include examples of acceptable perishable inventory stocking units and staple food varieties for retailers.

February 20, 2017

WASHINGTON – On February 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agency that oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), proposed to update its SNAP application forms for retail food store owners. These forms are used to determine whether a store is eligible to participate in SNAP and whether an existing SNAP retailer continues to meet eligibility requirements. USDA is looking to revise its forms to ensure they are in line with updated eligibility requirements.

Specifically, USDA is proposing to update these forms to include examples of acceptable “perishable” inventory stocking units and staple food “varieties,” which according to the new retailer eligibility rule, must be on store shelves for a retailer to participate in SNAP. Of note, USDA has also proposed to include additional questions regarding:

  • Whether the applying store has a website;
  • Whether optical scanners are used at the store;
  • The name and address of the financial institution where SNAP deposits will be made; and
  • Whether the store offers any incentives or discounts to SNAP recipients.

The agency is requesting comments, among other things, on whether it is necessary for USDA to obtain this information and to what degree the information collection will be a burden on retailers.

Considering the recent SNAP Freedom of Information Act litigation and the likelihood that this data may not be protected under FOIA, these proposed questions relating to SNAP store business practices are troubling.

Comments on these proposed changes are due on April 17; NACS will be filing comments on the proposal. If you have any questions, contact Anna Ready, NACS director of government relations, at aready@nacsonline.com

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