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Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0026 Q&As related to COVID-19: WIC and the Food Distribution Programs

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.

03/31/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0025 TEFAP Flexibilities for State Agencies

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.

03/31/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0017 CN COVID-19 Meal Times Nationwide Waiver

Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA is establishing 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, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program.

COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #1
03/20/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0088 Meal Service During Unanticipated School Closures

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide updated guidance on the child nutrition program flexibilities available during unanticipated school closures. Schools may face unanticipated closures due to natural disasters, unscheduled major building repairs, court orders relating to school safety or other issues, labor-management disputes, or, when approved by the state agency, a similar cause.

SP04 CACFP03 SFSP03-2020
11/05/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0053 D-SNAP State Workgroup Recommendations

The FNS Southwest Regional Office convened a state workgroup comprised of seven state agencies with recent disaster experience to discuss concerns and best practices regarding D-SNAP implementation, program integrity, and program access.

06/10/2019
Resource | Comment Request Comment Request - Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed information collection. This is a revision of a currently approved collection associated with requests by state agencies to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to temporarily provide food assistance to households following a disaster.

08/30/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0031 Addressing Civil Rights Issues in D-SNAP Planning and Implementation

FNS is issuing guidance on addressing vulnerable populations in response to state requests to describe lessons learned from recent disasters and practices state agencies can use in planning and implementing D-SNAPs. 

07/31/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0029 Special Disaster Rules for Accepting SNAP EBT Benefits for Hot Food Purchases

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.

07/25/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0004 Providing Child Nutrition Program Benefits to Disaster Survivor Evacuees

This memorandum provides a reminder overview of options available under current program policy and regulation for connecting children and adult survivors, who have evacuated from areas subject to major disaster and emergency declarations, and may be staying in shelters, with child nutrition program benefits.

SP 05-2018, CACFP 05-2018
01/19/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0056 2017 SNAP Disaster Evacuee Policy for Hurricane Harvey Disaster Area Evacuees

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.

09/01/2017
Page updated: October 14, 2021