FNS Documents & Resources

States annually update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to reflect changes in utility costs. When determining a household’s eligibility, states consider a household’s total shelter costs, including the cost of utilities. Since actual utility costs are often hard to determine, states can use SUAs, which are standard amounts that represent low-income household utility costs in the state or local area. SUAs may be used in lieu of the household's actual costs when determining eligibility and benefit amount.

A variety of trainings are available on the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs. Complete the training modules and view recorded webinars to assist in understanding and using the FBG and all its features.

FNS will collect and approve information from state agencies on how the various state SNAP agencies develop, update, change and implement options will be determined for SUAs for household.

This information collection addresses the mandatory state agency information and burden estimates associated with the following state agency options under SNAP: establishing and reviewing standard utility allowances and establishing methodology for offsetting cost of producing self-employment income.

This tri-fold brochure provides information on the Food Buying Guide for child nutrition programs and suite of related resources. 

The Food Buying Guide for child nutrition programs has all of the current information in one manual to help you and your purchasing agent buy the right amount of food and the appropriate type of food for your program(s), and determine the specific contribution each food makes toward the meal pattern requirements.

The Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs has current information to help you and your purchasing agent.

Este seminario es en inglés y tiene subtítulos en español. Team Nutrition demuestra las actualizaciones de la herramienta de granos del Apéndice A.

The Food Buying Guide Interactive Web-based Tool allows you to easily search and navigate food yields, compare food yields, and create and save favorite foods lists.

Team Nutrition demonstrates the latest enhancements to the Exhibit A Grains Tool.