FNS Documents & Resources

We discuss information and resources provided in the revised USDA Foods in Disaster Manual, June 2021 to help you be prepared for the use of USDA Foods in disasters, emergencies and situations of distress

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.

This webinar is intended for state distributing agencies and FNS regional office staff and highlights how USDA Foods may be used in congregate feeding or disaster household distribution during a disaster, emergency, or situation of distress response. We discuss the importance of planning, preparation and communication before, during and after a disaster response.

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. 

In this webinar, we discuss what actions you can take and the resources available to be better prepared for a disaster when utilizing USDA Foods.

USDA’s authority to provide emergency assistance for its various disaster relief programs exists under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), Agriculture Secretary disaster designations, Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as well as other authorizing legislation. These authorities are identified in the various USDA program descriptions.

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, with child nutrition program benefits.

This memorandum consolidates and clarifies select disaster/emergency policies and procedures applicable to the CSFP, the FDPIR and TEFAP.

This memorandum supersedes SP 25-2012, CACFP 12-2012, SFSP 10-2012, Disaster Response and provides an overview of ways state agencies, school food authorities participating can respond to situations resulting from damage or disruptions due to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flood as well as other exceptional emergency situations or man-made disasters.