Preparing for a SNAP Inspection? We’ve Got You Covered!

Becoming a SNAP-authorized retailer is a major step toward serving your community by providing essential nutrition assistance to eligible households. If you're preparing for a SNAP inspection, it’s crucial to understand the process and ensure your store meets all requirements. Here’s everything you need to know to pass with confidence!

Understanding the SNAP On-Site Visit

As part of the authorization process for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) conducts an on-site visit to verify that your store meets all necessary requirements. This inspection occurs during your business hours, as listed on your SNAP application. The FNS representative will assess your inventory, business operations, and compliance with SNAP regulations to determine your eligibility.

Meeting SNAP Retailer Requirements: The Two Main Criteria

Criterion A: Staple Food Inventory

Your store must maintain a sufficient stock of staple foods, which includes:

• At least 36 staple food items available for purchase.
• A minimum of three varieties in each of the four staple food categories:
  • Vegetables or Fruits
  • Dairy Products
  • Meat, Poultry, or Fish
  • Breads or Cereals
• Three stocking units for each variety must be on hand at all times.
• At least one perishable variety must be available in two of the four staple food categories.

Criterion B: Staple Food Sales

If your store does not meet the inventory requirements, you can qualify under staple food sales criteria:

• More than 50% of your total gross retail sales must come from staple food items.
• Specialty stores, such as butcher shops or produce stands, may qualify under this criterion even if they do not sell items across all four staple food categories.

What Are Staple Foods?

Staple foods are basic items that form the foundation of daily meals and are typically prepared and consumed at home. These include:

• Vegetables or Fruits (fresh, canned, or frozen produce)
• Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Meat, Poultry, or Fish (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Breads or Cereals (bread, rice, pasta, oatmeal, or tortillas)

Note: Hot/prepared foods, snack foods, candy, soda, and condiments do not count as staple foods under SNAP guidelines.

Preparing for the Inspection

To ensure a smooth SNAP inspection, follow these key steps:

• ✅ Stock the required number and variety of staple food items at all times.
• ✅ Ensure all business licenses and necessary documentation are up to date and readily available.
• ✅ Be prepared to provide additional records, such as invoices, sales records, and tax returns, if requested.

FNS inspectors will carefully review your store’s inventory, assess your compliance with SNAP standards, and may ask questions about your sales and operations. Staying organized and maintaining proper records can help streamline the inspection process.

What to Expect if Denied

If your store does not meet SNAP requirements during the inspection or fails to provide the necessary documentation, you may receive a denial letter. However, you do have options:

• Appeal the decision if you believe your store was wrongly denied.
• Reapply immediately in some cases, or wait six months to one year before submitting a new application, depending on the reason for denial.

Understanding the reason for denial and taking corrective action can increase your chances of approval on a future application.

Stay Ready with Reauthorization

Once approved, SNAP retailers must undergo reauthorization approximately every five years to maintain eligibility. Staying compliant with SNAP guidelines ensures uninterrupted service to your customers who rely on SNAP benefits.

To avoid potential issues during reauthorization, make it a habit to:

• Maintain proper inventory levels.
• Keep updated records of sales and purchases.
• Regularly review SNAP policies and make necessary adjustments to your store’s operations.

Need Help? We’re Here for You!

If you have questions about the SNAP inspection process or need assistance with compliance, you can contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 for guidance.