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.
This retailer notice serves as a reminder that SNAP retailers that it is a program violation to accept SNAP benefits for foods and drinks containing controlled substances such as cannabis/marijuana.
This SNAP retailer notice emphasizes Secretary Rollins and FNA are committed to fighting fraud, waste, and abuse in all USDA programs. We are equally committed to taking swift action aimed at eliminating fraud occurring in the SNAP retailer community and rooting out bad actors who take advantage of the taxpayer’s generosity.
SNAP retailer notice that SNAP retailers are required to keep certain staple food items in stock at all times. This retailer reminder details the dairy stocking requirements for SNAP retailers.
Any firm may request administrative and judicial review, if it is aggrieved by any of the actions described in SNAP regulations. The Administrative Review Branch ensures that FNA follows the provisions of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP regulations, and agency retailer policy, and that the agency's administrative actions are equitable and consistent.
This memorandum defines heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer eligibility determinations. Only staple food products are counted toward a firm’s eligibility to participate in SNAP. Heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods are not considered staple foods, and are not counted when determining if a firm meets Criterion A or Criterion B to be eligible to participate in SNAP as an authorized retail food store.
SNAP regulations provide that the FNA must collect certain taxpayer identification numbers of retailers who apply to participate in SNAP. Acceptable taxpayer identification numbers include both a Social Security Number and any Employer Identification Number assigned to the firm by the Internal Revenue Service.
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.
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, FNA will consider them a single firm when determining eligibility for SNAP authorization.
This memo clarifies the requirement regarding the separation of issuance functions and when state agencies may implement exceptions.