FNS Documents & Resources

USDA has issued guidance to states in implementing FFCRA of 2020 which provides for the issuance of emergency allotments based on a public health emergency declaration by the Secretary of HHS under the Public Health Service Act related to an outbreak of COVID-19 when a state has also issued an emergency or disaster declaration.

USDA is committed to providing nutrition assistance to hard-hit families across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. In support of President Biden’s call to action on hunger, USDA announced that it is increasing the Pandemic EBT benefit by approximately 15 percent, providing more money for low-income families and millions of children missing meals due to school and child care closures.

FNS is permitting all interested state agencies to extend certification periods and accordingly adjust periodic report submission dates for ongoing SNAP households who are due for recertification or periodic reporting through June 30, 2020.

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support schools unable to complete a triennial assessment of the local school wellness policies by June 30, 2020, due to school closures as a result of COVID–19. This waiver applies to state agencies that have local educational agencies administering the NSLP and/or SBP.

This letter transmits the FNS denial of certain requests to adjust SNAP regulations that do not meet the requirements for approval provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA established a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. This waiver remains in effect through Aug. 31, 2020.

This waiver allows schools and afterschool care centers to serve at-risk afterschool meals and snacks to students regardless of their location, through Dec. 31, 2020.

The resolution extends a number of the SNAP flexibilities approved under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and permits state SNAP agencies to adopt certain options without FNS approval. 

FNS is extending a waiver of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program meal pattern requirements to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) this summer.

In FY 2020, TEFAP received a significant amount of additional funding for food purchases and administrative expenses through the Food Purchase Distribution Program and legislation in response to the novel coronavirus public health emergency.