This updated Distribution Rates includes new CSFP USDA Food items and removes the guide rate attachment for children, who were phased out of CSFP in February 2020, as directed by the 2014 Farm Bill. With this update, the Distribution Rates have been simplified and pared down to one attachment.
This memorandum includes questions and answers on flexibilities available to CSFP state agencies, including Indian Tribal Organizations, in the operation of CSFP. These flexibilities may assist state agencies that administer CSFP in continuing to provide food to seniors in need during the novel COVID-19 public health emergency.
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.
This memorandum transmits the 2020 Income Guidelines for state agencies and ITOs in determining the eligibility of individuals applying to participate in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act 2020 provides $245 million for CSFP for FY 2020. Based on this funding level, FNS is issuing a final national caseload allocation of 736,110 for the 2020 caseload cycle. This amount is equal to the 2019 national caseload allocation. FNS is allocating final caseload and administrative grants as provided in this memo.
FNS is cancelling Policy Memoranda FD-010, FD-027, FD-028, FD-029, FD-032, FD-053, FD-055, FD-071, FD-073, FD-074, FD-083, FD-086, FD-087, FD-090, FD-105, and FD-115. The guidance provided by these memoranda are either outdated, obsolete, or otherwise captured in more current memoranda.
This memo has been superseded by the Oct. 22, 2020, memo "Commodity Supplemental Food Program Revised Food Package Maximum Monthly Distribution Rates."
On Dec. 20, 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 was signed into law. Section 4102 of the Farm Bill changes CSFP certification requirements outlined in 7 CFR 247.16 effective immediately.
FNS is making significant revisions to the CSFP food package which state agencies are expected to implement on Nov. 1, 2019. FNS is releasing the updated Distribution Rates at this time to allow CSFP state agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations sufficient time to consult with local agencies and plan their ordering accordingly to ensure smooth implementation of the enhanced food package.
This memorandum transmits the 2019 Income Guidelines for state agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations in determining the eligibility of individuals applying to participate in CSFP.