FNS Documents & Resources

This memo provides additional guidance to state agencies interested in submitting renewal requests for the indefinite waivers expiring April 30, 2015.

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. Allows state agencies to designate any appropriate facility, which is providing meals to displaced families who are being temporarily housed elsewhere, as a CACFP emergency shelter during a natural disaster or other emergency situation.

In recent years, FNS has approved several innovative waiver requests that have afforded states new flexibility in administering SNAP. Because these waivers are relatively new, untested, and complex, FNS categorizes them as "novel" waivers.

FNS has recently undertaken a review of its waiver processes and the effectiveness of its approved waivers. Specifically, FNS has recently reviewed the "Early Denial" waiver, also known as "10-Day Denial" waiver, which waives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations at 7 CFR 273.2(g)(3) and 7 CFR 273.2(h)(2).

FNS is issuing this memorandum to update current waiver procedures and revise previous guidance contained in the Sept. 14, 2004, memo, "Revised Waiver Processing Instructions." FNS is enhancing administrative waiver procedures to streamline current processes and eliminate inconsistencies in approval requirements for similar waivers.