Economic & Employment Services

Kansas EBT Retailer Resources

Kansas values its partnership with more than 2,000 retailers and businesses authorized to accept SNAP Food Assistance, SUN Bucks, and/or TANF Cash Assistance benefits. Here you’ll find resources, tools, and guidance to support your role in implementing program requirements, including the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver. This page will be updated regularly as common questions are identified and feedback is received.

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SNAP Food Restriction Waiver in Kansas

Which food items will no longer be eligible to purchase with SNAP benefits in Kansas?

Under the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver, candy and soft drinks will no longer be eligible to purchase with SNAP Food Assistance and SUN Bucks benefits in Kansas. Kansas state law defines candy and soft drinks.

In the State of Kansas, "candy" means preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. "Candy" does not include any preparation containing flour and requires no refrigeration.

"Soft drinks" means nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes, or beverages that are greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

SNAP benefits can continue to be used to purchase healthy, nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, seeds and plants for growing food at home, and other staples that support a balanced diet and overall well-being.
Which retailers must participate?

All SNAP-authorized retailers in Kansas, including supermarkets, small grocers, convenience stores, and farmers markets, are required to implement these restrictions effective in early 2027.
What is required for SNAP-authorized retailers for the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver in Kansas?

Retailers must complete, sign, and date the Kansas SNAP-Authorized Retailer Attestation Form, attesting to comply with USDA SNAP requirements, specifically the new SNAP food restrictions on candy and soft drinks. Additional information and the Attestation Form will be provided prior to the implementation of the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver.

Restrictions will be implemented at the retailer level, and each retailer will be responsible for updating their systems to reflect the newly restricted items.
Will my POS system need an update?

Yes. Updates ensure restricted items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits once the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver goes into effect.
What if my system cannot be updated by the effective date?

To ensure compliance, all retailers must complete the necessary system changes. Exemptions are not available.
Will there be financial help to update POS systems?

No additional funds are available at this time.
Will there be a specific product list of what will no longer be SNAP eligible?

Excluded products are based on the definitions of soft drinks and candy per the state’s food and sales tax laws. At this time, a specific product list will not be provided.
What if my staff allows a restricted item by mistake?

Staff must void and reprocess the transaction. Repeated errors should be documented. Ongoing noncompliance may result in compliance action.
Do the restrictions affect every SNAP household regardless of which state issues them?

The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver restricts the purchase of candy and soft drinks from SNAP-authorized retailers in Kansas effective in early 2027. If an individual from another state is in Kansas, they will not be allowed to use SNAP benefits to purchase candy or soft drinks at a Kansas SNAP-authorized retailer.
Do the restrictions apply when Kansas SNAP households use benefits in another state?

The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver restrictions are specific to purchases made at SNAP-authorized retailers in Kansas. A Kansas SNAP household can use their Kansas Benefits Card (EBT Card) to purchase food items in another state. Other states may have restrictions that limit items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Refer to the USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waivers for more information.
Do these restrictions apply when SNAP households in Kansas use benefits to buy food online?

Yes, the SNAP restrictions apply whether food is purchased online or in-store at a SNAP-authorized retailer in Kansas.
Can SNAP recipients from other states buy candy and soft drinks in Kansas?

SNAP recipients from any other state will not be able to use SNAP benefits to purchase candy or soft drinks from a SNAP-authorized retailer in Kansas, effective in early 2027.
Will retailers be asked to provide data regarding items purchased with SNAP benefits?

Yes, as part of the evaluation, purchase data will be reviewed, including distinguishing SNAP versus non-SNAP purchases. Retailers will receive a request to share the data to allow DCF to complete the evaluation.
Who do I contact with questions regarding the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver in Kansas?

For more information about the SNAP Food Restriction in Kansas, please contact DCF.SNAPFoodRestriction@ks.gov. For technical support, contact your POS vendor.

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