(a) The department is authorized to implement the food stamp program.
(b) Householders determined by the department to be eligible for assistance under the food stamp program may obtain food stamp allotments; however, under regulations adopted by the department, a householder may receive all or part of the value of the food stamp allotment in the form of a wage subsidy under AS 47.27.025(e) if
(1) the householder is a member of a family eligible for the Alaska temporary assistance program under AS 47.27; and
(2) the department determines that the wage subsidy authorized under this subsection would aid the householder in the successful completion of the family self-sufficiency plan under AS 47.27.030.
(c) Food stamp allotments, other than a wage subsidy authorized under (b) of this section, shall be used to purchase food from retail food stores that have been approved for participation in the food stamp program. Eligible households living in certain remote areas shall be permitted to purchase certain items of hunting and fishing equipment for the purpose of procuring food for the household, except firearms, ammunition, and other explosives, in accordance with regulations that the Secretary of Agriculture adopts.