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Resource | Policy Proposed Rule - Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in SNAP

This rule proposes to codify a new framework for determining distinct staple food varieties and accessory foods for purposes of meeting the staple food requirements for retailer participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

09/25/2025
Resource | Policy Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA); Interpretation of “Federal Public Benefit”

This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “Federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.

07/10/2025
Data Visualization
SNAP Household Characteristics Dashboard

This dashboard describes the economic and demographic characteristics of households participating in SNAP by state and over time, as well as SNAP participation rates by state and by household characteristic.

06/13/2025
Resource | Training and Outreach FY 22 SNAP Characteristics Video

FNS recently released a new report on SNAP household characteristics for fiscal year (FY) 2022.

08/30/2024
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Characteristics SNAP Community Characteristics

Review your statewide factsheet for information about SNAP participation, food insecurity, and SNAP's economic impact in your state.

06/23/2023
Basic page Store Eligibility Requirements
03/03/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Application of 6 Month Waiting Period

This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet SNAP eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Firms Colocated with a Restaurant

This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "retail food store,"  to say that, when multiple firms operating at the same location meet certain elements, FNS will consider them a single firm when determining eligibility for SNAP authorization.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility – Need for Access

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must determine if an applicant firm may be authorized to participate  under "Need for Access" if located in an area with significantly limited access to food and the applicant firm has failed to meet the staple food requirements for eligibility under Criterion A or Criterion B.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Clarification of Criterion A and Criterion B Requirements

To be SNAP-authorized, a store generally must meet one of two eligibility standards: Criterion A (staple food stock) or Criterion B (staple food sales). Staple foods are the basic food items that make up a significant portion of an individual’s diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed as a major component of a meal.

07/13/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021