Search Results for agency_names:"Food and Nutrition Service"

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA has issued a notice seeking public comments on the proposed revision of an information collection related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This collection aims to gather data for quality control, specifically looking at negative case actions. The need for comments is to ensure that the information collected effectively supports the agency's functions while minimizing the burden on respondents. The document outlines details such as the estimated number of respondents, total annual burden hours, and recordkeeping requirements.

The Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA announced updates to the Income Eligibility Guidelines for children's meal programs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. These guidelines determine who can get free or reduced-price meals and free milk through programs like the National School Lunch Program and are updated to reflect changes in the cost of living. Income is calculated before taxes and includes various sources like wages and benefits, but some federal benefits are not counted as income. The updated guidelines help ensure the programs reach children who need them the most.

The Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is seeking proposals from eligible Tribal Organizations to participate in a demonstration project aimed at purchasing agricultural commodities for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). This project is authorized by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and will allow selected Tribal Organizations to enter self-determination contracts for food purchases. A total of $3 million is allocated for the project, with individual proposals not exceeding $1.5 million. Proposals should be submitted by March 15, 2021, and organizations will be selected based on various criteria, including their capacity to purchase and distribute locally grown foods.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing a rule to incorporate the FNS Handbook 310, a manual for conducting quality control reviews of SNAP cases, into SNAP regulations. This incorporation ensures public notice and comment before implementing any revisions to the handbook. The rule also seeks to remove references to another manual, the FNS Handbook 311, until it can be officially incorporated later. The Department is inviting public feedback on these changes until March 4, 2024.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new reimbursement rates for meals provided under the Summer Food Service Program for 2025. These rates have been adjusted to account for inflation, resulting in an average increase of 3.6% from the previous year. The adjustments are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index and will apply to both operating and administrative costs of the program, which will take effect from January 1, 2025. The changes aim to simplify accounting procedures and ensure sponsors can manage reimbursements efficiently while maintaining nutrition standards.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule that modifies work requirements and exemptions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in response to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule expands work requirements to include adults aged 50 to 54, but also provides new exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. These changes are expected to affect federal spending and administrative processes while impacting SNAP eligibility for some participants. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, with certain provisions expiring on October 1, 2030.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced a reestablished computer matching program with State agencies that manage the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program allows these agencies to access the Electronic Disqualified Recipient System (eDRS), which is a national database that keeps track of individuals disqualified from SNAP due to intentional program violations. By accessing this system, State agencies can verify an individual's SNAP eligibility and determine the appropriate length of disqualifications. The program aims to maintain program integrity and reduce errors in SNAP benefit distribution.

In a notice from the Food and Nutrition Service, under the Department of Agriculture, public comments are invited on a new information collection named Waivers and State Plans (WiSP). This initiative aims to streamline the process for state agencies by transitioning from individual collections to a single application for requesting program waivers and submitting state plans. It supports programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and aims to enhance efficiency and compliance with legislation such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Access to Baby Formula Act. The public is encouraged to comment on the utility and burden of this collection effort by February 28, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is seeking public comments to guide future policies regarding the use of grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt in child nutrition programs. This includes considering how these foods contribute to meal patterns and exploring ways to reduce added sugars. The FNS is particularly interested in feedback on the definition and crediting of high-protein yogurt and how to categorize and manage grain-based desserts to improve nutritional standards. Public comments will be accepted until March 26, 2025.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA has issued a notice for public comment on a proposed information collection related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This involves using data from the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) to verify employment information for SNAP applicants and recipients. The goal is to ensure that households receive the correct amount of benefits based on accurate employment data. Public comments are invited on the effectiveness and efficiency of this information collection.