Conducting Program Access Reviews at Local Food Stamp Offices

This guidance, which updates the original August 2000 guidance, is provided to assist FNSROs in conducting Program Access Reviews (PAR). It is intended that state agencies will adapt this guidance when monitoring the program access portion of the ME reviews of their food stamp project areas (or counties).

A PAR examines a local food stamp office’s operations to determine compliance with federal FSP requirements governing access to food stamp benefits by persons applying for or already participating in the program. The review focuses on the application and reapplication process; the areas covered by a PAR are identified in Section III, Summary of Review Topics.