NACS has drafted a letter to bring the industry together to oppose the newly proposed SNAP rule which would have adverse effects on the convenience industry.
The National Association of Convenience Stores is fighting a recently proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that, if passed, will push tens of thousands of convenience stores out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
According to NACS, the rule, which was proposed in February, would significantly change the retailer eligibility requirements for SNAP. The proposal implements language from the 2014 Farm Bill – which NACS supported – but it also includes a number of troublesome provisions. If the provisions are enforced as they are currently drafted, it will become difficult, if not impossible, for convenience stores to redeem SNAP benefits.
This new rule would have devastating effects on those families with SNAP benefits who rely on convenience stores for food access.
NACS has stated that it is in support of a bipartisan letter to the USDA, led by House Agriculture Committee chairman Mike Conaway and ranking member Collin Peterson. This letter highlights the vital role that convenience stores play in the SNAP program, while it raises concerns that the proposed rule goes beyond what Congress intended in the 2014 Farm Bill.
NACS has drafted a letter to the USDA and has made a call to action to those in the industry. The letter can be accessed at the following link, which will allow you to sign and send your letter to Capitol Hill, as well as to share the letter with colleagues and others in the business.
The letter can be accessed at: https://www.votervoice.net/NACS/Campaigns/46397/Respond?unregistered=HCYTWhbn_kFbWJHJ47MPOA
