The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a new requirement on stocking standards to ensure authorized retailers nationwide provide more healthy food options through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP serves nearly 500,000 South Carolinians with benefits totaling more than $91,700.
The changes take effect this fall—requiring authorized retailers to carry seven varieties of items in four food groups: protein, grains, dairy, and fruits and vegetables. According to the USDA, this increases the amount of perishable and available foods, emphasizes whole foods and eliminates loopholes that have allowed retailers to count certain snacks toward staple food requirements.
Over the last year, nearly 3,200 retailers have faced consequences for either failing to meet food stocking expectations or maintain standards. The USDA adds the updated guidelines will also strengthen accountability and help prevent program violations like benefit trafficking and other types of fraud.