Retailer Reminder: Dairy Stocking Requirements

SNAP retailers are required to keep certain staple food items in stock at all times. Be sure to meet the stocking requirements BEFORE applying for SNAP authorization. Items must always be available. If they are not, your store could lose authorization for six months before you can apply again. For more information, visit the store eligibility requirements site.

If you have questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP, at RPMDHQ-Web@fns.usda.gov.

Staple Food Categories

1. Vegetables/fruits
2. Dairy
3. Meat/poultry/fish
4. Breads/cereals

A Minimum of 36 Total Items Required

3 varieties* of each staple food
X
3 units of each variety
=
9 total items for each staple food category

* A variety in 2 of the staple food categories must be perishable.

Dairy Examples

Each bullet is a different variety of dairy.

Shelf-Stable Products
(no refrigeration needed)

• Yogurt pouches
• Powdered infant formula
• Shelf-stable oat milk

Perishable Products
(refrigerated)

• Cow milk
• Butter
• Mozzarella cheese sticks (cow milk)
• Feta cheese (sheep milk)

• Almond milk
• Rice milk
• Coconut milk
• Soy milk