FNS Documents & Resources

Stewardship of federal funds is a basic expectation of American taxpayers and is critical to the ongoing success of nutrition assistance programs. FNS continuously works to detect, prevent, and minimize errors and improper payments, as well as fraud, waste, or abuse. In this way, FNS preserves public trust, enhances partner relationships, and provides excellent customer service to program participants.

The FNS 101 fact sheets provide a basic overview of FNS’ programs and activities. Please contact the FNS Division of External and Governmental Affairs at fnsgovaffairs@usda.gov with questions or for more information.

SNAP E&T transforms lives of SNAP participants by connecting them to employment. It can help participants gain
the skills, training, and work experience needed to obtain and maintain regular employment. SNAP E&T includes participant assessments, case management, education and training activities, and supportive services.

SNAP-Ed is an evidence-based program that promotes healthy food choices, obesity prevention, and physical activity. SNAP-Ed teaches participants about good nutrition and how to make their food dollars stretch further.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides nutritious, domestically sourced and produced foods, known as USDA Foods, to Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Foods include high-quality vegetables, fruits, dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, and other protein options.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans including elderly people by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and households via a monthly benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card, which can be used at authorized retailer stores to purchase food. SNAP is the largest Federal nutrition assistance program.

The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools, child care institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition programs. The SMP reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve. Schools participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may serve milk through SMP to children enrolled in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs if those children do not have access to the breakfast or lunch meal service.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded, State-administered program that reimburses providers who serve free, nutritious meals to children and teens in low-income areas when school is not in session.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to states, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.