About the FNS Civil Rights Division

Mission Statement

Civil Rights Division (CRD) mission is to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies for FNS customers and employees regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, protected genetic information, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all bases apply to all programs.)  CRD also facilitates equal and timely access to FNS programs and services for all customers.

Purpose

CRD provides direction and leadership to enforce equal opportunity for employees, applicants and participants in FNS programs.

Objective

The overall objective is to protect the rights of employees, applicants and persons who participate in various programs in compliance with applicable credible laws and regulations.

Staff

The FNS staff includes Headquarters and seven regional offices. The staff is responsible for using a variety of compliance mechanisms to prevent eligible persons from being excluded from, or denied participation in FNS programs and/or activities on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, and political beliefs. (Not all bases apply to all programs.)