FNS Documents & Resources

Estimates prepared from the American Community Survey (ACS) and the decennial Census and used in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funding formula to determine States' fair shares of WIC food funds.

This memorandum provides information on current flexibilities in distribution procedures that are available for State agencies that administer TEFAP. 

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This is a revision of a currently approved collection codified in Food and Nutrition Service regulations.

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide updated guidance on the child nutrition program flexibilities available during unanticipated school closures. Schools may face unanticipated closures due to natural disasters, unscheduled major building repairs, court orders relating to school safety or other issues, labor-management disputes, or, when approved by the state agency, a similar cause. Unanticipated school closures prevent children from receiving educational instruction and the nutritious meals they would normally receive. The Food and Nutrition Service encourages school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or the School Breakfast Program, institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program to use the flexibilities described in this memorandum to help ensure that children do not experience a lapse in food security when extreme weather or other events force area schools and child care facilities to close.

The attached questions and answers address the final rule implementation memo for lottery and gambling provisions.

This Notice supersedes the notice published in the Aug. 7, 2019 issue of the Federal Register entitled National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates (FR Doc. 84-38590). It establishes new reimbursement rates for Guam and Virgin Islands to match the reimbursement rate provided to Puerto Rico, and corrects an incorrect date.

On February 22, 2019, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced the implementation of significant revisions to the CSFP’s Maximum Monthly Distribution Rates. These revised Distribution Rates were scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2019. However, due to USDA Food purchasing shortfalls and delivery delays, FNS is delaying the implementation date of the revised Distribution Rates. The revised Distribution Rates will now go into effect on February 1, 2020.

This information collection addresses the state agency reporting burden associated with the following state agency options under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Establishing and reviewing standard utility allowances (SUAs) and establishing methodology for offsetting cost of producing self-employment income.

USDA proposes updating the regulations to refine categorical eligibility requirements based on receipt of TANF benefits. Specifically, the Department proposes: (1) to define “benefits” for categorical eligibility to mean ongoing and substantial benefits; and (2) to limit the types of non-cash TANF benefits conferring categorical eligibility to those that focus on subsidized employment, work supports and childcare. The proposed rule would also require state agencies to inform FNS of all non-cash TANF benefits that confer categorical eligibility.

The Civil Rights Division (CRD) ensures that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) complies with the laws, regulations, policies, and guidance that prohibit discrimination against employees and applicants in the Federal workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws prohibit discrimination in employment to ensure fair hiring, competition in promotions, and equal access to training/development opportunities.