What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?

SNAP is a federal nutrition program that helps participants stretch food budget dollars and purchase healthy food. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service offers an online resource that describes the SNAP program, who is eligible, and also retailer eligibility. 

To become a SNAP retailer, "staple foods" must be sold. Staple foods categories include vegetables or fruits; dairy products; meat, poultry, or fish; and breads or cereals."

A retailer must also meet these criteria: 

"Criterion A. A store must have 3 stocking units of 3 different varieties for each staple food category on a continuous basis. For 2 staple food categories, there must be at least 1 perishable variety. Most stores are authorized under Criterion A."

"Criterion B. A store must have more than 50 percent of its total gross retail sales from the sale of staple foods. Specialty stores, like butcher shops, are often authorized under Criterion B."