SNAP Program Webinar Addresses Changes in ND Rules

(ND Monitor) – BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a webinar series to help food retailers comply with upcoming restrictions on purchases made with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars.

North Dakota last year was approved for a waiver that prevents SNAP benefits from being used to buy soda and other foods. According to the agency, the waiver will go into effect in September.

About 600 North Dakota retailers that take SNAP benefits will have to update their sales systems so that attempts to purchase prohibited items with SNAP money are declined, the North Dakota Monitor reported previously. The state has indicated retailers will shoulder most of the cost associated with implementing the waiver.

The webinars will provide information on the new program and what kinds of foods it will affect, and as well as guidance on how to meet its requirements, according to an announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services.