U.S. convenience stores seek delay to new SNAP food rules
Retailers warn thousands of locations could lose authorization to accept food stamps unless federal regulators postpone upcoming stocking requirements for fresh produce, protein and other staple foods.
U.S. convenience stores are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay enforcement of new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements that would require retailers to stock a broader range of staple food products.
In a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on August 31, nearly 250 convenience stores and industry groups requested a six-month extension beyond the current November 4 compliance deadline. The letter was supported by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), the National Association of Truck Stop Owners (NATSO) and SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers.
The USDA's final rule, issued in May, requires SNAP-authorized retailers to offer at least seven varieties in each of four staple food categories: dairy, vegetables or fruits, grains and protein. Retailers that fail to meet the standards risk losing their authorization to accept SNAP benefits.
According to the letter, convenience store operators have not received sufficient guidance on how to comply with the expanded requirements and need additional time to source products, work with distributors and adjust inventory.
The convenience store industry noted that more than 117,000 stores participate in SNAP, representing nearly half of all authorized retailers in the program. Industry representatives argue that these locations play an important role in providing food access for consumers living in underserved areas or working nontraditional schedules.
The letter was signed by operators from major chains including 7‑Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz and RaceTrac, as well as independent retailers. The request highlights growing debate over how retailers can balance expanded healthy food offerings with the operational and supply chain challenges associated with meeting the new standards.
