FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum clarifies FNS regulations and policies regarding the allowability of requiring payment and soliciting contributions (i.e., "payments" or "pay") in exchange for foods from FNS program participants.

This memorandum is being issued to emphasize that states may use TEFAP administrative funds to pay for direct and indirect expenses associated with both the distribution of TEFAP foods and of foods secured from other non-federal sources. Foods secured from other sources is defined as any foods not obtained from USDA food assistance programs.

This policy memorandum is the result of activities undertaken to plan a government-wide response to a potential human pandemic and addresses the operation of its USDA food programs during a major pandemic event. 

Policy Memoranda FD-063, Household Eligibility Determinations for Disaster or Emergency Evacuees Residing with a Host Family (dated Dec. 4, 2006), and FD-072, FDPIR Households Displaced During a Disaster (dated Feb. 19, 2008), are cancelled.

During a Presidentially declared disaster/emergency, or during a situation of distress declared by a state or FNS, the state may find it necessary to transport USDA Foods from one area within the state to another in support of disaster feeding efforts.  These intra-state transportation costs will be reimbursed by FNS during a Presidentially declared disaster/emergency, and reimbursed by FNS to the extent funds are available during situations of distress.  

Section 10 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 permits the Secretary to authorize any state or regional office, where applicable, to reserve up to 1 percent of the funds earned in any fiscal year under both the National School Lunch Act and the CNA for special developmental projects. 

Section 226.15(e) of the current regulations requires institutions to establish procedures to collect and maintain necessary program records.