Skip to main content

Retailer Reminder: Dairy Stocking Requirements

Resource type
Training and Outreach
Factsheets
Resource Materials
PDF Icon English version (263.94 KB)
PDF Icon Español (357.73 KB)
PDF Icon Arabic (227.67 KB)
PDF Icon Haitian Creole (363.31 KB)
PDF Icon Simplified Chinese (423.93 KB)
PDF Icon Traditional Chinese (414.31 KB)

CRITERION A
Stocking Requirements for SNAP Retailers: DAIRY

SNAP retailers are required to keep certain staple food items in stock at all times. Be sure to meet the stocking requirements BEFORE applying for SNAP authorization. Items must always be available. If they are not, your store could lose authorization for six months before you can apply again. For more information, visit the store eligibility requirements site.

If you have questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP, at RPMDHQ-Web@fns.usda.gov.

SNAP color logo - putting healthy food within reach

Under Criterion A, retailers must stock at least three varieties and three units of each staple food.
snap foods icon
Staple Food Categories
  1. Vegetables/fruits
  2. Dairy
  3. Meat/poultry/fish
  4. Breads/cereals
snap retailer icon
A Minimum of 36 Total Items Required


3 varieties* of each staple food
X
3 units of each variety
=
9 total items for each staple food category

* A variety in 2 of the staple food categories must be perishable.


3 milk cartons
+
3 yogurts
+
3 cheese
=Meets dairy requirement

milk carton
Dairy Examples

Each bullet is a different variety of dairy.

Shelf-Stable Products
(no refrigeration needed)

  • Yogurt pouches
  • Powdered infant formula
  • Shelf-stable oat milk

Perishable Products
(refrigerated)

  • Cow milk
  • Butter
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (cow milk)
  • Feta cheese (sheep milk)



 

  • Almond milk
  • Rice milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Soy milk

Eggs do not count as dairy. "Accessory foods" such as ice cream and whipped cream do not count as dairy staple foods.

Page updated: June 25, 2024