NACS; along with NATSO, Representing America’s Travel Centers and Truck Stops; and SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers have jointly requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) extend the comment period for its proposed rule updating staple food stocking requirements for SNAP retailers by an additional 60 days.
In the letter, the associations emphasized that the rule’s technical and far-reaching changes warrant additional time for retailers to evaluate how the proposal would affect their operations and participation in SNAP.
“FNS understandably took considerable time to craft this proposed rule, and stakeholders need a similar opportunity to review, evaluate and provide meaningful input,” the letter states.
NACS is currently conducting a member survey to collect operational data and feedback from retailers of all sizes, including many single-store operators who make up more than 60 percent of the industry. These small businesses, the letter notes, face unique challenges in analyzing and responding to complex regulatory proposals while managing day-to-day store operations.
“Convenience retailers want to get this right,” said Margaret Mannion, director of government relations for NACS. “A short extension would ensure FNS receives thoughtful, data-driven feedback that reflects how these proposed changes would impact stores and the customers who rely on them.”
The associations also cited the ongoing federal government shutdown as a key reason for the requested extension. During the shutdown, agency staff have paused external meetings, limiting opportunities for stakeholder engagement. “Extending the comment period will allow these important conversations to resume and ensure that FNS receives thorough, data-driven feedback,” the associations wrote.
The proposed rule, issued in late September, would significantly revise retailer stocking requirements by increasing the number and types of staple food varieties that SNAP-authorized retailers must carry. NACS and its members continue to evaluate the potential impact of these changes and plan to submit detailed comments once the review is complete.