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As of Oct. 1,
2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.
The new name reflects the changes we’ve made to meet the needs of
our clients, including a focus on nutrition and an increase in
benefit amounts. SNAP is the federal name for the program. State
programs may have different names. |
This page is
for retailers – owners and employees of
retail food stores. The Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) is administered by the USDA Food
and Nutrition Service through its
nationwide network of FNS field offices.
Local FNS field offices are responsible
for the licensing and monitoring of
retail food stores participating in
SNAP.
Any retailer
that would like to accept SNAP
benefits (EBT) must be licensed to
participate in SNAP.
This section provides information for
retailers who want to apply for a SNAP permit. Today, the only
form of SNAP benefit issuance is
the
EBT—Electronic Benefits Transfer
card. EBT allows you, the retailer, to
accept SNAP payment for food using
the EBT card--a kind of debit card.
FNS has
numerous materials designed to help you
follow SNAP rules and
regulations. Protect your business.
Learn the proper way to handle SNAP transactions. The Retailer
Training Guide will help you learn the
Program rules and answer common
questions about the Program. You can
also find out what food items can be
sold for SNAP benefits – and what
things cannot be sold. We want you to be
successful. Know and follow the laws and
regulations, train your employees
carefully, and monitor their performance
–these are all ways in which you can
help to ensure your success in SNAP.
The staff of
your
local FNS field office is available
to answer your questions and advise you
on Program rules and procedures. If a
situation arises that you are not sure
how to handle, you should always contact
the FNS field office that services your
area for assistance.
Remember, it is
against the rules and regulations of
SNAP for you to accept or
redeem any SNAP benefits until you
are authorized by USDA, FNS. Each store
location under your ownership must have
a separate SNAP permit;
you must submit a separate application
for each store that you own. If your
store changes ownership, if you move, or
if you close your store, your SNAP permit is void. You cannot
transfer your permit to someone else.
Last updated:
11/21/2008
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