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USDA/FNS | RIN: 0584-AE27 | Publication ID: Fall 2016 |
Title: Enhancing Retailer Eligibility Standards in SNAP | |
Abstract:
The final rule will address the criteria used to authorize retail food stores for redemption of SNAP benefits. |
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Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA) | Priority: Other Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 271.2 7 CFR 278.1 | |
Legal Authority: 3 U.S.C. 2012 9 U.S.C. 2018 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Statement of Need: The Agricultural Act 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the required amount of food that certain SNAP authorized retail food stores have available on a continual basis from at least three varieties of items in each of four staple food categories to a mandatory minimum of seven varieties. The 2014 Farm Bill also amended the Act to increase the minimum number of categories in which perishable foods are required from two to three. This rule codifies these mandatory requirements. Further, the rulemaking addresses depth of stock, redefines staple and accessory foods, and amends the definition of retail food store to clarify when a retailer is a restaurant rather than a retail food store. |
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Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) generally (with limited exception) (1) requires that food purchased with SNAP benefits be meant for home consumption and (2) prohibits the purchase of hot foods with SNAP benefits. The intent of those statutory requirements can be circumvented by selling cold foods, which may be purchased with SNAP benefits, and offering onsite heating or cooking of those same foods, either for free or at an additional cost. In addition, section 9 of the Act provides for approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns based on their ability to effectuate the purposes of the Program. |
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Alternatives: Alternative approaches to several discretionary provisions are being considered based on commenter feedback on the proposed rule. |
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Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The changes will allow FNS to improve access to healthy food choices for SNAP participants and to ensure that participating retailers effectuate the purposes of the Program. FNS anticipates that these provisions will have no significant costs to States. |
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Risks: None identified. |
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Timetable:
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No | Government Levels Affected: State |
Federalism: No | |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes | |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford Regulatory Review Specialist Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone:703 605-0800 Email: charles.watford@usda.gov Lynnette M. Thomas Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone:703 605-4782 Email: lynnette.thomas@fns.usda.gov |