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Proposal to require SNAP spending in local ZIP codes draws legal and practical objections
Summary
Rep. Paul Flynn's bill to require SNAP recipients to spend a portion of benefits in nearby stores and to require participating retailers to carry a local supply of perishables drew questions about federal authority, administrative feasibility and possible harm to program participants from Maine Equal Justice and other witnesses.
Representative Paul Flynn introduced LD 938, a proposal to require Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to spend a portion of their monthly benefits in food retailers located within a designated geographic radius of the recipient's residence and to require participating retailers to source a share of perishable inventory locally.
Sponsor's rationale Flynn described his experience as a former grocery owner in rural Freedom, saying the proposal aims to capture more federal food‑assistance dollars for local stores and…
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