FNS Documents & Resources

The Food Plans represent a nutritious diet at four different cost levels. The nutritional bases of the Food Plans are the 1997-2005 Dietary Reference Intakes, 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and 2005 MyPyramid food intake recommendations. In addition to cost, differences among plans are in specific foods and quantities of foods. Another basis of the Food Plans is that all meals and snacks are prepared at home. For specific foods and quantities of foods in the Food Plans, see Thrifty Food Plan, 2006 (2007) and The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans, 2007 (2007). All four Food Plans are based on 2001-02 data and updated to current dollars by using the Consumer Price Index for specific food items.

This memorandum provides guidance to states in taking the balanced approach necessary to properly implement the SNAP time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents.

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify which student financial assistance programs are excluded as income for the purposes of determining eligibility under FDPIR. 

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.

Section 6(0) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits ABAWD eligibility for the SNAP to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt. FNS is providing the attached guidance in response to recent questions from state agencies concerning ABAWD policy.

This policy memorandum transmits the new Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) that were published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2015.

As government agencies move more and more services onto the web, they sometimes struggle with the best ways to present information so that it is clear and easy to use for a range of clients. This guide can help state agencies create online SNAP applications using a client-centered approach.

FNS has received several inquiries regarding the eligibility of participants in the Department of Homeland Security's new Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program for SNAP benefits.

FNS Instruction 815-1 Purchase of Medical Equipment