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Retailer Reminder: Dairy Stocking Requirements

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CRITERION A
Stocking Requirements for SNAP Retailers: DAIRY

SNAP retailers are required to keep certain staple food items in stock at all times. Be sure to meet the stocking requirements BEFORE applying for SNAP authorization. Items must always be available. If they are not, your store could lose authorization for six months before you can apply again. For more information, visit the store eligibility requirements site.

If you have questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP, at RPMDHQ-Web@fns.usda.gov.
SNAP Logo Guidance

Under Criterion A, retailers must stock at least three varieties and three units of each staple food. 

snap foods icon

Staple Food Categories

  1.  Vegetables/fruits
  2. Dairy
  3. Meat/poultry/fish
  4. Breads/cereals
snap retailer icon

A Minimum of 36 Total Items Required
3 varieties* of each staple food 
X
3 units of each variety
=
9 total items for each staple food category
  * A variety in 2 of the staple food categories must be perishable.
3 milk cartons
 +
3 yogurts
 +
3 cheese
 = Meets dairy requirement
milk carton
 Dairy Examples
Each bullet is a different variety of dairy

Shelf-Stable Products
(no refrigeration needed)		 Perishable Products 
(refrigerated)
  • Yogurt pouches
  • Powdered infant formula
  • Shelf-stable oat milk
  • Cow milk
  • Butter
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (cow milk)
  • Feta cheese (sheep milk)
  • Almond milk
  • Rice milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Soy milk

Eggs do not count as dairy. "Accessory foods" such as ice cream and whipped cream do not count as dairy staple foods. 

Updated: 04/25/2023