Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to tighten rules for retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to improve access to healthier foods and reduce fraud. Retailers will need to increase the variety of foods they stock, moving from 12 to at least 28 different items across four staple food categories. The changes aim to ensure that stores using SNAP benefits provide genuine food options rather than exploiting taxpayer-funded benefits.
Key Facts
- The USDA is changing rules for SNAP retailers to enhance healthy food access and prevent fraud.
- Currently, SNAP retailers need to stock three varieties of food in each of four categories: dairy, protein, grain, and fruits and vegetables, totaling 12 items.
- The new proposal requires retailers to have at least seven items in each category, increasing the total to 28.
- The USDA plans to close loopholes that count some snacks as staple foods.
- The changes aim to support stores that provide real food, not just those benefitting from taxpayer dollars.
- SNAP helps around 42 million low- and no-income people buy groceries at nearly 266,000 retailers.
- The proposed rules are open for public comment from September 25 through November 24, 2025.
- The changes are part of a wider effort to guide SNAP towards better nutrition and reducing chronic diseases.
