WASHINGTON – Have you taken the time to use the NACS webpage to file comments with the Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) about their proposed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulation? If implemented, the proposed rule would change the requirements retailers have to meet to participate in SNAP and would push tens of thousands of c-stores out of the program.

It’s crucial that FNS hear from c-store retailers about how the proposed rule will negatively impact their small businesses and ultimately hurt the SNAP beneficiaries who rely on those stores.

Proponents of the proposal have made the following comments, published in the open docket on regulations.gov:

• “Often, people living in these areas shop in small bodegas and convenience stores, which mainly sell highly processed, energy-dense foods.”
• “…There are predatory gas station/convenience stores saturated all over the inner city where the merchants/owners stock outdated product [and] spoiled milk….”
• “Please require all stores, no matter the size, to provide organic foods.”
• “These regulations will provide SNAP recipients with greater access to nutrient-dense foods to be prepared at home.”

These types of comments are the reason why FNS needs to hear from YOU. They need to hear from c-store owners and operators about why the rule is unworkable for small format retail stores and what this will mean for SNAP beneficiaries. Many times, convenience stores are the only store that is close by or open late at night where SNAP beneficiaries can quickly buy necessary food items for their families.

We have made it easy for you. Visit the NACS webpage for instructions and a downloadable template so you can file your own comments today.