Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0103 Nationwide Waiver of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessments in the NSLP and SBP

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support schools unable to complete a triennial assessment of the local school wellness policies by June 30, 2020, due to school closures as a result of COVID–19. This waiver applies to state agencies that have local educational agencies administering the NSLP and/or SBP.

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #18
07/01/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0036 Clarification of State Options for Determining Fleeing Felon Status for SNAP

FNS is issuing this policy memo to clarify state options and requirements relating to the determination of fleeing felon status under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations at 7 CFR 273.11(n).  

06/27/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0035 Changes to Martinez Fleeing Felon Test after Barry v. Lyon Decision

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  regulations at 7 CFR 273.11(n) require state agencies to choose between two tests to establish fleeing felon status: the four-part test and the alternative test, often called the Martinez test. This policy memo clarifies changes in the Martinez test necessitated by the Walter Barry, et al. v. Nick Lyon decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

06/27/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0028 Q&As: Eligibility, Certification, and Employment and Training Provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act Final Rule Set #2

The attached questions and answers address the SNAP: Eligibility, Certification, and Employment and Training Provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 final rule. 

05/11/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0014 Local School Wellness Policy: Guidance and Q&As

Local educational agencies participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are required to develop a local school wellness policy that promotes the health of students and addresses the problem of childhood obesity.

SP24-2017
04/06/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2015-0034 Same Sex Marriage and SNAP Mandatory Household

This memorandum restates the FNS policy on the treatment of same-sex marriages with regard to Section 3(m)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended.

07/15/2015
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0044 Impact of the Defense of Marriage Act on SNAP Eligibility - Revised

This memorandum provides guidance on the household status of same-sex married couples in light of the United States Supreme Court's June 26, 2013, decision in United States v. Windsor (Windsor) for purposes of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility.

05/27/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0066 Direct Certification and Zero Benefit Households

Section 9(b)(12)(A)(i) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act restricts categorical eligibility for free school meals based on SNAP participation to children who are members of a household receiving assistance under SNAP. Therefore, a child who is a member of a household that is receiving “zero benefits” from SNAP is not categorically eligible for free meals, unless the child is categorically eligible for another reason.

SP03-2012
10/25/2011
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0046 Local School Wellness Policies

This memorandum provides information on the new requirements for local wellness policies so that local educational agencies can begin reviewing their policies for the coming school year 2011-12, and begin moving forward on implementing the new requirements.

SP42-2011
07/08/2011
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0003 Letter Method for Direct Certification

The purpose of this memorandum is to implement a provision affecting mandatory direct certification for children in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households.

SP13-2011
01/14/2011
Page updated: October 14, 2021