The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has sent out text messages reminding authorized users to stay up to date on proper SNAP-EBT training to avoid penalties. The texts went out Thursday, November 16, and will continue through today, Friday, November 17.
According to the website, “[FNS] expects Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized stores to have an established, operational compliance policy and program in place to prevent SNAP violations from occurring. Our goal is to ensure that all store owners fully understand and appreciate this responsibility and are aware of training resources.”
Adequate training includes:
- A thorough review of FNS training materials and program rules
- Documented initial training
- Documented refresher training
Authorized users will receive the following text: “USDA: Make sure your staff is trained on SNAP-EBT rules. Learn more: fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-reminder-training.”
SNAP customers are important to c-stores, and NACS is fighting for hot foods to be SNAP eligible items.
Americans relish the flexibility to purchase hot meals—such as a rotisserie chicken, soup or a hot sandwich—as they juggle multiple responsibilities. Americans who depend on SNAP need that type of flexibility as well. In fact, of the more than 42 million SNAP participants, approximately 70% are children, elderly or have disabilities. Removing the hot foods restriction is a commonsense update to modernize the program.
The Hot Foods Act (H.R. 3519) was introduced in the House with bipartisan support. NACS strongly supports the Hot Foods Act and removing the SNAP hot foods restriction in the upcoming Farm Bill.