Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:19 pm

So, let’s say you’re running a store and you’re all good with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), right? One fine day, you get a Charge Letter from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – a letter accusing you of SNAP violation. Can be quite a shock, no? When a letter like this hits your desk, that’s when having someone like Todd Spodek on your side can make all the difference.

If you zoom in the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule book, you’ll find that they can show you the exit door—permanently—if they find out that a retailer is involved in SNAP benefits’ “trafficking”. That’s right – a one-way ticket out of the program. Can happen to anybody, ok? Big, small, doesn’t matter. That’s why you need to nip it in the bud.

The USDA needs to notify you through a Charge Letter before they decide to give you the boot or slap you with a penalty. This is your moment; make it count. You can gear up your defense as FNS is going to review the violations, any previous warnings and, any other proof showing an intent to go against regulations.

I agree, it’s a tricky place to be, but by understanding the process and taking proactive steps, you can work towards safeguarding your position in the SNAP program or moving against a penalty imposed by the USDA. Now, with a seasoned player like Spodek by your side from Spodek Law Group, presenting a solid defense, you can protect your business.

As a SNAP retailer, keep in mind that you have just 10 days to respond to a SNAP Charge Letter. The longer you wait, the tougher it is to escape the claws of disqualification. But don’t sweat; with the right attorney by your side, you can push back and defend your turf.

Think about capturing key evidence like transaction receipts and inventory invoices from the review period. Lawyer up; Mr. Spodek can guide you with the preparation and presentation of such evidence. It may also be advisable to take photographs of your store and getting hold of witness statements. That’s how you keep your chin up against the allegations.

Don’t get cozy with the USDA because you think you can negotiate your way out. Going against a Charge Letter as a SNAP retailer is like fighting against the tide; the USDA is just looking for an excuse to show you the door and throw the book at you. Believe it or not, it helps to get a legal eagle who knows his way around SNAP. With Todd Spodek on your side, you’re not just putting up a resistance, you’re putting on the gloves and getting into the ring.

Alright, let’s be real here; you shouldn’t go it alone against the USDA. Get a running start and give yourself the best chance to win. If facing a Charge Letter makes you break out into cold sweats, remember you can always lean on the Spodek Law Group!

The USDA recently sent out a wake-up call, a report emphasizing that it won’t go easy on those who illegally swap cash for food stamp benefits – known as food stamp trafficking. In particular, smaller stores – think gas stations and specialty grocery stores – have a target painted on them, likely for violating federal SNAP regulations.

Now, where does this info put us? Simple – if you’re eyeing to get on-board the SNAP program or are already an authorized retailer, you should be wary of any slip-ups that could get you in the USDA’s bad books.

Let’s put a scenario: you own a grocery store that recently started accepting SNAP EBT. You hired a manager handling day-to-day store operations and a couple of cashiers from the neighborhood. Most of your customers are also from the same place, many of whom qualify for food stamps. Everything is fine up to this point, right? Then, things went sideways.

Your cashier got caught in the act – swiped a customer’s EBT card for a fake transaction and split the cash from the register with the customer. The store was labeled as the “go-to place” for those who wanted to exchange food stamps for cash, and the snowball effect started taking over.

As a SNAP retailer, you need to have your wits about you regarding the implications of even one trafficking case and ensure the team is well-trained on EBT regulations. The risks are just too great to be brushed off. But don’t worry, Spodek Law Group got your back. If you’re looking to get SNAP EBT permissions for your retail business or are interested in applying, you can bank on the expert advice of Todd Spodek. The Spodek Law Group is committed to protecting your business, helping you come out shining on the right side of the law.