SPOKANE, Wash. – The federal agency overseeing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is proposing changes that could affect where SNAP benefits are used.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the proposed changes, which aim to strengthen SNAP retailer requirements. The plan would increase the variety of food from three to seven in each staple category, such as dairy and protein. Rollins said this initiative aims to reduce fraud and provide healthier options for families.

More than 880,000 people in Washington and another 130,000 in Idaho have SNAP cards. However, those cards are not always used at traditional grocery stores.

Bariatric surgeon Matt Rawlins emphasized the importance of offering more access to healthy food options. “There’s no other magic besid

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