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Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0078 Administrative and Judicial Review

Any firm may request administrative and judicial review, if it is aggrieved by any of the actions described in SNAP regulations. The Administrative Review Branch ensures that FNS follows the provisions of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP regulations, and agency retailer policy, and that the agency's administrative actions are equitable and consistent.

Policy Memorandum 2021-01
07/30/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0134 Retailer Eligibility - Prepared Foods and Heated Foods

This memorandum defines heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer eligibility determinations. Only staple food products are counted toward a firm’s eligibility to participate in SNAP. Heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods are not considered staple foods, and are not counted when determining if a firm meets Criterion A or Criterion B to be eligible to participate in SNAP as an authorized retail food store.

SNAP 2020-06
07/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0121 Retailer Eligibility - Social Security Number (SSN)

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must collect certain taxpayer identification numbers of retailers who apply to participate in SNAP. Acceptable taxpayer identification numbers include both a Social Security Number and any Employer Identification Number assigned to the firm by the Internal Revenue Service.

SNAP 2020-11
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0120 Retailer Eligibility - Application of 6 Month Waiting Period

This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet SNAP eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization.

SNAP 2020-09
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0119 Retailer Eligibility - Firms Colocated with a Restaurant

This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "retail food store,"  to say that, when multiple firms operating at the same location meet certain elements, FNS will consider them a single firm when determining eligibility for SNAP authorization.

SNAP 2020-08
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0118 EBT - Separation of Duties

This memo clarifies the requirement regarding the separation of issuance functions and when state agencies may implement exceptions.

SNAP 2020-02
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0114 Food Determinations – Eligible Food (Excluding Meal Services)

This memorandum clarifies policy related to "eligible foods," which are foods and other items that may be purchased with SNAP benefits. This memorandum does not address meals that may be purchased with SNAP benefits from firms authorized to serve such meals, although these meals are also eligible foods.

RPMD Policy Memorandum 2020-03
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0113 Retailer Eligibility – Need for Access

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must determine if an applicant firm may be authorized to participate  under "Need for Access" if located in an area with significantly limited access to food and the applicant firm has failed to meet the staple food requirements for eligibility under Criterion A or Criterion B.

RPMD Policy Memorandum 2020-10
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0112 Retailer Eligibility - Accessory Foods in Store Eligibility Determinations

This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "staple food" in SNAP regulations. Specifically, this memorandum clarifies foods considered "accessory foods," which do not count as staple foods for purposes of determining the eligibility of any firm.

SNAP 2020-05
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0111 Retailer Eligibility - Clarification of Criterion A and Criterion B Requirements

To be SNAP-authorized, a store generally must meet one of two eligibility standards: Criterion A (staple food stock) or Criterion B (staple food sales). Staple foods are the basic food items that make up a significant portion of an individual’s diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed as a major component of a meal.

RPMD Policy Memorandum 2020-04
07/13/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021