FNS Documents & Resources

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. 

FNS requires that inventories do not exceed a six-month supply of any USDA Foods without approval from FNS. Per 7 CFR 250.17(a), state agencies administering TEFAP are required to use Form FNS-155, Inventory Management Register, to report any food items in state and state-contracted warehouses that exceed six months of inventory.

This manual contains important information for persons in FNS headquarters, FNS regional offices, and distributing agencies, which include state distributing agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations that are charged with the responsibility of providing USDA Foods to disaster relief organizations in the event of a disaster, emergency, or situation of distress.

The ITO/state agency must submit Form FNS-152, Monthly Distribution of Donated Foods to Family Units,  that documents the data obtained in the physical inventory with the perpetual inventory record. Shortages must be reported to the appropriate FNS regional office.

With the recent passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to assist with the novel coronavirus public health emergency,  WIC received an increase in funding for the program as well as increased ability to provide states with the flexibilities they need to support mothers, infants and children that rely on WIC.

During an emergency situation such as the COVID-19 public health emergency, there are flexibilities available to TEFAP state agencies to assist them in continuing to provide food to people in need. Implementing TEFAP flexibilities can be achieved simply by submitting a written explanation (i.e., state plan amendment) to the FNS regional office for expedited review and approval.

FNS Form 292A is to be used to report Commodity Distribution for Disaster Relief. 

Due to the power outages, severe flooding and displacements from homes caused by the Kilauea Volcanic Eruption, and effective immediately, retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service and located in Hawaii County may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for HOT foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.

This memorandum is meant to provide clarification and guidance on policies and procedures for donated food storage and distribution as they relate to product dating.

FNS is issuing this policy to provide states with flexibility to serve Hurricane Harvey evacuees. States may choose to either serve evacuees through expedited SNAP rules or through the simplified program rules in the Evacuee Policy, as described in this memorandum. When applying the Evacuee Policy, states must use the criteria detailed in this memorandum for determining eligibility, household composition, verification, benefit allotments, and duplicate participation. This memorandum also outlines the reporting and Quality Control processes for cases processed under the Evacuee Policy.