FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the eligibility of Indian Tribal Organizations to participate in TEFAP.

This memorandum clarifies FNS policy regarding the calorie and nutrient requirements for meals planned using alternate menu planning approaches.

The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans outline nutrient-dense foods and beverages, their amounts, and associated costs that can be purchased on three successively higher budgets, each supporting a healthy diet through nutritious meals and snacks at home. The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans are used by various federal and state agencies and the court system. 

This memo provides guidance to state agencies regarding large grant offset of overused ABAWD funds.

The purpose of this memorandum is to highlight some of the results of that study, and to re-issue guidance concerning what constitutes acceptable documentation of tier I eligibility for family day care homes.

In an effort to provide administrative relief to state agencies and Summer Food Service Program sponsoring organizations, we are extending to the SFSP a provision of the CACFP that allows state agencies and institutions to rely upon a determination of area eligibility for up to five years when based on National School Lunch Program data.

The Thrifty Food Plan, a fundamental part of the U.S. food guidance system and the basis for maximum food stamp allotments, has been revised by USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, with assistance from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, Economic Research Service, and Agricultural Research Service. The TFP provides a representative healthful and minimal cost meal plan that shows how a nutritious diet may be achieved with limited resources. The plan assumes that all purchased food is consumed at home.

It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion concerning fluid milk, and how it is offered in reimbursable lunches. Under all menu planning approaches, fluid milk is a separate food component/menu item.

The FY 2005 Appropriations Bill for the Department of Agriculture included a provision which excluded from consideration as income in the Food Stamp Program additional pay received by military personnel as a result of deployment to a combat zone. This provision has been extended.

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify that migrant sites participating in the Summer Food Service Program are considered area eligible sites falling under the category of open, or restricted open, sites.