The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) says that a proposed rule with new eligibility standards for retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly referred to as food stamps, is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2016.
The rule will implement provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, which require retailers to stock more varieties of products in four food categories: meat, poultry or fish; bread or cereal; vegetables or fruits; and dairy. In addition, retailers will be required to offer perishable foods in three categories rather than two.
According to OMB, “the rulemaking also proposes changes to address depth of stock, redefine staple and accessory foods, and amend the definition of retail food store to clarify when a retailer is a restaurant rather than a retail food store.”
Release of the proposed rule in early 2016 will be followed by a comment period and publication of a final rule, which will specify an effective date for the new eligibility standards.
