FNS Documents & Resources

This memo clarifies processes to reflect system updates for state agencies pursuing additional verification through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program that have caused an area of SNAP regulations to become outdated and no longer applicable. This memo also explains how to request information on SNAP applicants who are claiming Cuban-Haitian Entrant designation.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will discontinue the requirement for vendors to use high security seals to secure USDA Foods deliveries as of July 1, 2023. 

SNAP and Head Start are working together to identify ways to promote early childhood education and nutrition services. Joint messaging or outreach reduces duplication and provides new ways to increase child development and nutrition security for children and families.

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.

The rules concerning student eligibility for SNAP are changing due to the lifting of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. To help state agencies prepare for these changes, FNS has consolidated and is sharing existing resources related to student eligibility. 

FNS is providing a comprehensive list of SNAP resource materials and policy memos to equip state agencies with key information to prepare for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In preparation for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, FNS is sharing critical decision points and important resources state agencies should reference as they plan to reinstate the ABAWD time-limit. 

To help SNAP state agencies prepare for the lifting of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration on May 11, 2023, FNS is sharing the enclosed table summarizing the timelines for ending PHE flexibilities. These flexibilities include waivers of SNAP regulations, adjustments of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, temporary changes to eligibility criteria for ABAWDs and students, and the issuance of EAs during the PHE. 

The Workload Management Matrix provides an overview of available state options, process improvements and administrative and demonstration waivers state agencies may implement to help manage their workload. The strategies in this tool vary in cost and complexity, giving states the option to choose the policy or procedure that addresses their unique circumstances. This updated resource (first shared in 2013) reflects regulatory changes since the first iteration as well as additional tactics state agencies may wish to consider.

FNS-SNAP is providing this example notice to help all state agencies develop their own letter/notice to provide to SNAP households about the changes in student exemptions when the federal public health emergency ends.