Grocers relieved, as rules unclear
Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, told The Shelby Report, “Tennessee’s SNAP retailers are relieved that the ‘Healthy SNAP’ waiver has been halted. As they rushed to meet the July 31 implementation deadline, retailers received little guidance on how to comply. Unlike other waiver states, Tennessee provided no resources to identify restricted products or establish a consistent statewide standard.”
“If Tennessee is ever permitted to pursue a similar program in the future, we urge state leaders to recognize that implementation ultimately falls to food retailers,” Ikard added. “Any future initiative must provide clear, uniform standards and the tools retailers need to comply successfully.”
Move called health and nutrition ‘setback’
Shiela Corley, acting administrator for the Food and Nutrition Administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the letter to TDHS Commissioner Clarence Carter, called the ruling a setback to “our shared goal of improving the health and nutrition of SNAP participants.”
In its letter to SNAP retailers, TDHS said, “While this specific initiative will not move forward at this time, TDHS remains committed to supporting the health and well‑being of all Tennesseans and ensuring continued access to nutrition assistance.
“Thank you for your continued collaboration and your commitment to serving Tennessee SNAP customers.”