FMI Welcomes USDA Final Rule on SNAP Stocking Requirements

ARLINGTON, VA - FMI - The Food Industry Association today responds to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final rule on SNAP stocking standards, recognizing the agency's efforts to expand access to a broader variety of nutritious foods for families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while supporting retailers' ongoing commitment to serving communities nationwide. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement:

"FMI members remain deeply committed to supporting the health and nutrition goals of all customers, including SNAP participants. As always, our focus is on working closely with USDA and the states to promote consistency in implementing federal guidance across shopping channels and store formats so that customers and stores experience as much uniformity and as little confusion as possible.

"We appreciate USDA's efforts to modernize SNAP stocking standards in a way that better reflects today's food marketplace and helps expand access to nutritious staple foods for SNAP participants and their families. Ensuring shoppers have access to a broad range of fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains and proteins supports SNAP's core mission of reducing food insecurity and helping families put balanced meals on the table. Our food retailer members are already committed to offering these nutritious options and, in most cases, already meet or exceed the updated requirements - particularly in traditional grocery stores.

"We will continue working with USDA, Secretary Rollins, the U.S. Congress and state agencies to support a smooth, coordinated transition to these new requirements so the SNAP program remains efficient, consistent and reliable for authorized stores and the millions of customers who depend on it."