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Resource | Technical Assistance Disaster Assistance Factsheet

FNS plays a vital role in providing supplemental nutrition assistance when disasters occur by coordinating with states, territories, Tribes, and local voluntary organizations.

01/13/2025
Resource | Technical Assistance USDA Foods in Disaster Response

FNS coordinates with state, local, and disaster relief organizations including Indian Tribal Organizations to provide nutrition assistance to those affected by major disasters, emergencies, and situations of distress.  This disaster assistance includes USDA Foods Disaster Assistance. 

10/30/2024
Resource | Training and Outreach Disaster Nutrition Assistance Timeline

The USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with State agencies, Tribal Nations, and voluntary organizations as they develop disaster nutrition assistance strategies before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.

05/01/2024
Resource | Factsheets WIC During Disasters Factsheet

WIC is not designed to be a disaster assistance program, and is, therefore, not considered a first response option for disaster survivors. WIC policies allow state agencies flexibility in program design and administration to support continuation of benefits to participants during times of natural or other disasters. WIC state agencies are encouraged to work with state and local emergency services offices, as well as FEMA, to assist participants during a disaster.

05/04/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance Child Nutrition Programs During Disaster

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, can be devastating to communities and require a quick response. Schools, child care centers, and summer sites that operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, or the Summer Food Service Program can help minimize disruptions to your family.

05/04/2023
Resource | Factsheets WIC Factsheet

WIC was established as a permanent program in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. This mission is carried out by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and referrals to health and other social services. 

08/02/2022
Resource | Factsheets FNS-101: Program Integrity

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.

03/04/2021
Resource | Factsheets FNS-101: Disaster Assistance

FNS plays a vital role in providing supplemental nutrition assistance when disasters occur by coordinating with state, local, and voluntary organizations to: (1) provide food for shelters and other mass feeding sites, (2) distribute food packages directly to households in specific situations, (3) offer flexibility in nutrition assistance programs’ design and administration to continue providing benefits to participants in need, and (4) approve eligible states’ requests to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

03/04/2021
Resource | Factsheets FNS-101: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides participants with nutritious foods to supplement participant diets, nutrition education, and referrals to health and other social services.

03/04/2021
Page updated: October 14, 2021