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Acting FNCS Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps today highlighted the vital work FNS has done this year to provide food assistance to the millions of Americans impacted by unprecedented hurricanes and wildfires, as well as the numerous actions FNCS has taken to promote self-sufficiency, integrity, and customer service within federal nutrition programs.

Today, FNS issued national program guidance that gives SNAP state operators new flexibility to make their operations more efficient while improving customer service.

FNS has selected Kansas State University to direct the Center for Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs. The research resulting from this partnership will help improve food safety across all of USDA’s child nutrition programs, which serve billions of meals to children each year.

USDA today announced a public invitation to submit ideas on food crediting, the system that defines how each food item fits into a meal for the National School Lunch Program and other federal child nutrition programs. 

USDA has cleared the state of Arizona to test a program aimed at limiting fraud and reducing illegal trafficking in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program electronic benefit (EBT) cards. 

USDA is promising increased cooperation with states in the operation of the SNAP to promote self-sufficiency, integrity in the program and better customer service. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today provided local food service professionals the flexibility they need to serve wholesome, nutritious, and tasty meals in schools across the nation. The new School Meal Flexibility Rule, published today, makes targeted changes to standards for meals provided under USDA’s National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, and asks customers to share their thoughts on those changes with the Department.

U.S. Virgin Islands households recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria may be eligible for food purchasing assistance through the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Los niños en Puerto Rico empezarán a recibir comida gratuita en las escuelas y colegios en un esfuerzo para proporcionar alivio a aquellos que han sido afectados por el huracán Maria, afirmó hoy el Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU. (USDA). Esta medida potencialmente ayudará a más de 1,550 escuelas y 450,000 niños.

Children in Puerto Rico will receive free school meals in an effort to provide further relief to those affected by Hurricane Maria, USDA today announced. The measure will potentially affect more than 1,550 schools and 450,000 children.

Households impacted by recent wildfires in Northern California could be eligible for help buying food through USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households impacted by the recent wildfires in Northern California will receive support from USDA to replace food lost in the disaster and purchase hot foods at SNAP-authorized retailers through November 15.

USDA announced it is making it easier for North Carolina schools affected by Hurricane Florence to feed students during this time of great need. All students in affected disaster areas in North Carolina will now be able to enjoy free school meals provided by  the National School Lunch Program through October 26.

The  USDA is continuing its efforts to address the nutrition needs of Puerto Rican residents affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Working closely with federal partners, USDA has supported efforts in Puerto Rico since the Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Individuals receiving benefits under Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program, who have been displaced due to the recent hurricanes, can apply for SNAP benefits in the area where they currently reside.

Puerto Rico families struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria have started receiving assistance in the form of food boxes packed with nutritious, 100 percent American grown and produced USDA Foods.

Floridians struggling with the after effects of Hurricane Irma could be eligible for help buying food through USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Students in Georgia schools affected by Hurricane Irma will be provided free meals through the end of September, USDA announced today, along with additional flexibilities in federal child nutrition programs in Georgia and Florida aimed at making it easy for children to be fed.

USDA announced today it is making it easier for Florida schools affected by Hurricane Irma to feed students during this time of great need. The measures will potentially impact over 1,800 schools and 1.4 million children.

American families coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma will receive much needed nutrition relief, USDA announced.  Notably, packages of American grown and produced nutritious USDA Foods will be available across hurricane-stricken areas in Florida.