Two federal SNAP changes took effect in the window. On Nov. 1, food-restriction waivers began in Montana (high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts), North Dakota (sweetened beverages, energy drinks and candy), South Carolina (candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweetened beverages) and Virginia ("sweetened beverages"), according to USDA's Food and Nutrition Administration waiver table. The same table notes that a federal court vacated approved waivers for Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia on June 22.

On Nov. 4, new stocking standards kicked in for SNAP-authorized stores other than specialty shops such as butchers and produce stands. The final rule, published in May, raises the minimum from three to seven varieties in each of the four staple food categories and requires perishables in three categories instead of two. The Federal Register notice says small retailers (convenience stores, small groceries) are the ones mainly affected; commenters told USDA that stocking seven grain varieties isn't feasible for small convenience stores.