Thousands of U.S. convenience stores could stop accepting SNAP (food assistance benefits) unless the U.S. Department of Agriculture delays enforcement of new stocking requirements. The USDA’s final rule, issued in May, requires retailers accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to offer at least seven varieties in each of four categories: dairy, fruits or vegetables, grains and protein. The requirements take effect November 4, and retailers that fail to comply will be removed from SNAP participation. More than 117,000 convenience stores participate in SNAP, representing the largest share of any store format and nearly half of all SNAP-authorized stores, according to a letter sent August 31 to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Nearly 250 stores and their trade associations said they have not received adequate guidance on compliance and asked for enforcement to be delayed until six months after further guidance is issued. They said the additional time is needed to source qualifying products, negotiate with distributors and restock shelves. The letter included outlets operated by 7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz and RaceTrac, as well as smaller businesses. Convenience stores said they are important food-access points for people with unusual schedules and residents of areas without grocery stores. The USDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.