For information on all Food Distribution programs (and on food distributed in child nutrition programs), see the USDA Foods home page. Here you can access regulations, information on available commodities, and links to other agencies concerned with USDA Foods distribution.

National Level Summary Tables

Fiscal Years 1969-2024

• Cost of Food Distribution Programs
  Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP, formerly Nutrition Program for the Elderly), Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Commodity Supplemental Food (CSFP), Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP)
  • PDF
  • Excel
• Participation (FDPIR and CSFP) or Meals Served (NSIP)
  • PDF
  • Excel

State Level Tables

Fiscal Years 2020-2024

• FDPIR (participation) - PDF | Excel
• CSFP (participation) - PDF | Excel
• TEFAP (food costs) - PDF | Excel

The USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participant Access Study is a two-part study series designed to provide insight into the current geographic coverage and density of WIC retailers¹ across the United States and to assist states in ensuring they are providing adequate participant access to WIC foods in their communities.

• Key Findings
• Why
• How

Key Findings

Retailer participation in WIC declined between 2015 and 2020, but has remained steady through 2022.

• In FY 2022, there were 40,377 WIC retailers (i.e., grocery stores, referred to as “vendors” in WIC). Among these WIC retailers, over two-thirds were super stores or supermarkets. Other retailer types, such as grocery stores or convenience stores, were less common.
• Although the total number of WIC retailers decreased by 15% (from about 47,000 to 40,000) between FY 2015 and FY 2022, most reductions occurred prior to FY 2020. Around 80% of this decline was attributed to smaller retailers. It is important to note that this decline occurred in the period leading up to the 2020 WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) mandate.

 

More than half of WIC-eligible families have convenient access to a WIC retailer but some still lack access.

• This study explored whether WIC-eligible families have convenient access to a WIC retailer based on USDA definitions of access.¹ In FY 2022, 55% of census tracts² had convenient access to a WIC retailer. On average, census tracts had convenient access to 2.3 WIC retailers.
• Among the 50 states and DC, we estimate that 2.1 million WIC-eligible families did not have convenient access to a WIC retailer in FY 2022. This represents nearly half (45%) of the WIC-eligible population.
• Just over one-third (34%) of WIC-eligible families living in census tracts with high social vulnerability³ lacked convenient access to a WIC retailer.

 

Some optional state policies are associated with lower convenient access to WIC retailers.

• In FY 2022, thirty-four state agencies (38%) imposed limiting criteria,⁴ which determine the maximum number and distribution of retailers authorized. State agencies use these criteria to limit the number of stores they authorize so they can effectively manage, oversee, and review their authorized retailer population. Some examples of limiting criteria include vendor/participant ratio and vendor/geographic area (e.g., number per mile or ZIP code).
• The average number of WIC retailers within convenient access to WIC-eligible census tracts was consistently lower in areas with limiting criteria. Among the 50 states and D.C. using limiting criteria, there were 1.4 WIC retailers within convenient access, on average, compared with 2.1 retailers in states without limiting criteria (Figure 3a).
• Nearly all state agencies (98%) used optional vendor selection criteria⁴ (e.g., requirements regarding specific hours of operation, proof of authorization as a SNAP retailer, and requirements to stock a full range of foods in addition to WIC foods), in addition to required vendor selection criteria, when determining which retailers to authorize in FY 2022.
• State agencies that used optional selection criteria had slightly higher average numbers of retailers within convenient access to WIC-eligible census tracts than states without these criteria. States adding requirements for retailers to stock a full range of foods (i.e., full-service grocery stores) were the only exception among the 50 states and D.C.; states that used this additional criterion had fewer retailers within convenient access to a census tract, on average, than states that did not (1.6 compared to 2.4 retailers) (Figure 3b).

Why FNS Did This Study

WIC state agencies are responsible for authorizing and overseeing retailers that accept WIC food benefits. They must establish selection criteria that dictate the qualifications for retailers that may be authorized, in accordance with federally mandated criteria. Federal regulations (7 CFR 246.12) require state agencies to authorize a sufficient number and distribution of retailers to ensure adequate participant access to supplemental foods. In 2022, we observed a decline in the number of WIC authorized retailers since 2015 and, in response, issued a policy memorandum to encourage state agencies to assess their WIC retailer populations and “ensure that the appropriate number and distribution of vendors are authorized to support participants’ access to supplemental foods”. This study was conducted to understand the current geographic coverage and density of WIC retailers across the United States and how state agency policies and the composition of retailers may affect participant access to supplemental foods.

How FNS Did This Study

• To map and analyze the geographic distribution of WIC and SNAP retailers across the U.S., the study team obtained administrative data that described retailer locations, store types, and WIC state agency retailer selection policies from the following FNS data sources: The Integrity Profile (TIP), Food Delivery Portal (FDP), Store Tracking and Redemption System (STARS), and WIC State Plan data. To supplement the FNS administrative data sources and capture variation in urbanicity, food access, and social vulnerability, data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Economic Research Service (ERS), and the American Community Survey (ACS).
• This study explored two primary measures of food access: 1) Convenient access, a proximity-based measure defined as the availability of at least one WIC retailer within a one-mile driving distance in urban areas and a 10-mile driving distance, and 2) Average number of WIC vendors within convenient access of a census tract to differentiate between different levels of access to WIC.
• The study examined these measures overall and by a variety of census tract-level characteristics, including by urbanicity; low-income; and social vulnerability status.

Suggested Citation

Sarah Bardin, Tracy Vericker, Addison Larson, Dory Thrasher, and Nathan Chesterman (2025). WIC Participant Access Study: Part 1; Final Report. Prepared by Mathematica, Contract No. 12319819A0006. Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Evidence, Analysis, and Regulatory Affairs, Project Officer: Kathryn Knoff. Available online at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/wic/participant-access-vendors-part1.

¹ Convenient access is a USDA Economic Research Service proximity-based measure defined as the availability of at least one WIC retailer within a one-mile driving distance in urban areas and a 10-mile driving distance in rural areas.
² A census tract is defined by the United States Census Bureau as “a small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county delineated by a local committee of census data users for the purpose of presenting data. Census tracts nest within counties, and their boundaries normally follow visible features, but may follow legal geography boundaries and other non-visible features in some instances, Census tracts ideally contain about 4,000 people and 1,600 housing units.”
³ Social vulnerability refers to the demographic and socioeconomic factors (such as poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing) that adversely affect communities that encounter hazards and other community-level stressors.
⁴ Per federal regulation, the state agency may establish criteria to limit the number of stores it authorizes. The state agency must apply its limiting criteria consistently throughout its jurisdiction. Any vendor limiting criteria used by the state agency must be included in the State Plan in accordance with § 246.4(a)(14)(ii).
⁵ Per federal regulation, vendor selection criteria are established by the state agency to select individual vendors for authorization consistent with the requirements in § 246.12(g)(3) and (g)(4). Optional selection criteria are those criteria that states choose to implement in addition to what is required in accordance with § 246.12(g)(3) and (g)(4).

Summary

The authority to operate the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is found in section 5(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, formerly the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended and the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, as amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act of 1988 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish temporary emergency standards of eligibility for victims of a disaster if the commercial channels of food distribution have been disrupted, and subsequently restored. D-SNAP is a program that is separate from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and is conducted for a specific period of time. In order for a state to request to operate a D-SNAP, an affected area in the state must have received a Presidential Declaration of “Major Disaster” with Individual Assistance.

Need and Use of the Information

This information collection concerns information obtained from state agencies seeking to operate D-SNAP. A state agency request to operate a D-SNAP must contain the following information: Description of incident; geographic area; application period; benefit period; eligibility criteria; ongoing household eligibility; affected population; electronic benefit card issuance process; logistical plans for Disaster SNAP rollout; staffing; public information outreach; duplicate participation check process; fraud prevention strategies; and employee application procedures. The Food and Nutrition Service reviews the request to ensure that all the necessary requirements to conduct a D-SNAP are met. If this collection is not conducted, D-SNAP would not be available to help meet the nutritional needs of disaster victims.

Request for Comments

Comments regarding this information collection received by Dec. 26, 2025 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on RegInfo.gov. Find this particular information collection by selecting "Currently under 30-day Review - Open for Public Comments" or by using the search function. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

This memorandum provides the fiscal year (FY) 2026 income standards and maximum allotments for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). State agencies may use these standards to determine eligibility for D-SNAP, as well as the maximum allotment for eligible households may receive based on their size.

D-SNAP is a similar, yet distinct, program from SNAP that provides temporary food assistance to households affected by a natural disaster. State agencies may request D-SNAP for areas that receive a Presidential disaster declaration of Individual Assistance. Households that are eligible for D-SNAP receive a temporary, one-month benefit equal to the maximum SNAP benefit allotment for their household size. Eligibility is based on household size and income. The D-SNAP benefit allotment is determined by household size. Please see the tables below for the income limits and allotments.

Early and ongoing communication is critical as FNS remains available to assist state agencies in their evaluation of whether and when D-SNAP is appropriate. For example, ensuring that local infrastructure and food retailers are up and running are important steps for determining D-SNAP readiness.

State agencies must find a balance between responding quickly, operating efficiently, and protecting program integrity. Effective D-SNAP fraud prevention strategies begin in the preplanning phase. FNS is available to provide technical assistance to support state agencies in developing their requests and establishing strong internal controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of this important disaster assistance. State agencies with questions regarding D-SNAP should contact their respective regional office representatives.

Ronald Ward
Acting Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food and Nutrition Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Option 1: Disaster Gross Income Limit (DGIL)

The Disaster Gross Income Limit (DGIL) combines the SNAP maximum monthly net income limit, the maximum standard income deduction, and the maximum capped shelter expense deduction for the current fiscal year. In order to be eligible under DGIL, a household’s take-home income and accessible liquid resources during the disaster benefit period, minus disaster expenses as determined by the state agency, must not exceed the income limit for its size.

Option 2: Disaster Standard Expense Deduction Option (DSED)

State agencies may simplify calculating eligibility for D-SNAP by using the Disaster Standard Expense Deduction (DSED), which uses a standard amount for a household’s disaster expenses, which includes food loss.

Note: Only households with actual, unreimbursed disaster expenses equal to or greater than $100 may qualify using DSED. DSED cannot be used when food loss is the only qualifying disaster expense.

Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is committed to strengthening strategies to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families, along with clarifying program requirements for our state agency partners. In support of these goals, this memorandum provides guidance to TEFAP state agencies on requirements for public posting of TEFAP information at 7 CFR 251.4(l). Each state agency must post a list of eligible recipient agencies (ERAs) that have an agreement with the state agency on a publicly available webpage. In addition, state agencies must post the state’s uniform statewide eligibility criteria on a publicly available webpage. The public posting of ERAs and uniform statewide eligibility criteria must be implemented by Oct. 31, 2025. State agencies are encouraged to implement these provisions before that deadline.

ERAs that have an Agreement with the State Agency

TEFAP regulations at 7 CFR 251.4(l) require each state agency to post a list of ERAs that have an agreement with the state agency on a publicly available webpage. At a minimum, this list must include the name, address, and contact telephone number of all ERAs that have an agreement with the state agency. State agencies must update this list annually but are encouraged to update it more frequently as needed.

FNS recognizes that state agencies may identify a compelling public safety reason to forgo posting an ERA address publicly; for example, for a domestic abuse shelter. In such circumstances and without divulging sensitive or confidential information, the state agency should submit general information to their FNS regional office regarding why the location should be exempted from the publicly available list posted online. FNS will work with state agencies on a case-by-case basis for ERAs in this situation.

State Agency Option to Post Additional ERA Information

State agencies may choose to exceed the above minimum posting requirements to support public awareness. While state agencies are not required to post information about ERAs that have agreements with other ERAs, states have the option to publish this information online. State agencies may also choose to include additional information about ERAs on the webpage, such as operating hours, the areas served by the ERA, links to ERA websites, and distribution site addresses. In addition, state agencies may develop tools to aid eligible individuals in accessing the program, for example by establishing a searchable tool to identify aid based on zip code.

Posting TEFAP Statewide Eligibility Information

TEFAP regulations at 7 CFR 251.5(b) require each state agency to establish uniform statewide criteria for determining the eligibility of households to receive USDA Foods for home consumption, including requirements for demonstrating income and residency. Per 7 CFR 251.4(l), state agencies must post this uniform statewide eligibility criteria to a publicly available webpage. This information must be updated on an annual basis or whenever changes to eligibility criteria are made. Additional guidance on establishing criteria and methods for determining the eligibility of households to receive TEFAP can be found in Participant Eligibility in TEFAP (revised).

State agencies should contact their respective FNS regional office with any questions about this memorandum.

Sara Olson
Director
Policy Division
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs

Summary

This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), PL 104–193, 8 USC 1611. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.

Supplementary Information

Summary

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is an extension, with change, of a currently approved collection. This information collection is associated with waiver request and reporting by state agencies to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to temporarily provide food assistance to households following a disaster.

Request for Comments

Written comments must be received on or before July 28, 2025.

Comments may be sent to: Sasha Gersten-Paal, Director, Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place, 5th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Sasha Gersten-Paal at 703-305-2507 or via email to sasha.gersten-paal@usda.gov.

Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will be a matter of public record.

Abstract

Pursuant to section 412 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 USC 5179) and section 5(h)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 USC 2014(h)), the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to establish a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which is a temporary program that state agencies may operate to provide food assistance to households affected by a disaster. D-SNAP is separate and distinct from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) because it has different standards of eligibility, is operated for a limited duration, and only provides one month of benefits to eligible households.

State agencies submit formal waiver requests to operate D-SNAP to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for approval and may only request to operate D-SNAP in areas that have received a Presidential major disaster declaration with authorization for Individual Assistance, also known as an IA declaration. For a major disaster declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Office deploys staff to conduct joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in conjunction with state, local, Tribal Nation, and/or territory representatives. The Governor or Tribal Executive then submits a declaration request. FEMA submits a recommendation to the President regarding the declaration request and the final determinations are at the sole discretion of the President.

In their D-SNAP waiver requests, state agencies outline the impact of the disaster on households and/or businesses, the proposed procedures for conducting D-SNAP, designate the areas where they wish to operate, and provide estimates of benefit issuance. Using clearly defined criteria, FNS created a waiver template for state agencies to submit their D-SNAP requests electronically through the FNS Waiver Information Management System (WIMS).

Once an initial waiver request to operate D-SNAP is approved by FNS, state agencies will submit any subsequent request to modify or extend operations to eligible areas to FNS for approval. These modification or extension requests are typically used when a disaster impacts different areas of a state in different ways or at different times. Subsequent modification and extension requests require substantially less time to prepare than the initial D-SNAP waiver request. These requests are submitted electronically through WIMS.

Along with the waiver request to operate D-SNAP in areas that have received an IA declaration, FNS asks that the state agency submit a sample of their D-SNAP application for households applying for assistance. Per FNS D-SNAP guidance, this application should include information about the head of household, the impact of the disaster on the household, household members, household income and resources, a penalty warning, and USDA's nondiscrimination statement. FNS provides state agencies with a sample application in the D-SNAP Toolkit. State agencies submit their sample application electronically through WIMS.

Additionally, before a state agency operates a D-SNAP, FNS asks the state agency to provide a draft of their press release for FNS to review. State agencies are expected to issue a press release to publicize the application period to households impacted by the disaster that may need assistance. FNS asks state agencies to issue their press release at least several days before the application period for D-SNAP opens to the public. Per D-SNAP Guidance, the press release should include information about the operation such as the counties or ZIP Codes approved for assistance, application dates, application sites and hours of operation, and other information that potential applicants may need. FNS provides state agencies with an example press release in the D-SNAP Toolkit. The draft press release is submitted by state agencies electronically through WIMS.

During the application period for a D-SNAP, state agencies submit daily data reports to FNS. Daily reports ensure that FNS can monitor state agency capacity and benefit issuance to maintain a high level of customer service and integrity in D-SNAP operations. The reporting template includes data such as the number of new applications taken, the number of applications approved and denied, the amount of benefits issued, the number of pending applications, the number of supplements approved, and the amount of supplements issued. For operations containing a virtual component, the daily report also captures telephonic operation and card issuance data. FNS provides state agencies with a daily report template to provide this data to the agency. State agencies submit daily data reports electronically through WIMS.

Six months after the closing date of the D-SNAP application period, state agencies will submit a post disaster report to FNS. The post disaster report ensures that FNS understands all aspects of the D-SNAP operation and can identify opportunities for improvement. The report template asks that state agencies summarize the impact of the disaster, detail the D-SNAP operation and procedures utilized, provide case review results, and reflect on changes that could be considered in the future. FNS provides state agencies with a post disaster report template to provide this information to the agency. State agencies submit post-disaster review reports electronically through WIMS.

This information collection request contains only burden estimates associated with the state agency's waiver request and some reporting for D-SNAP operations. All burden imposed on state agencies and households associated with the certification of D-SNAP households performed by state agencies is approved under OMB Control Number 0584-0064 (SNAP Forms: Applications, Periodic Reporting, Notices; expiration date: 05/31/2026).

Burden for the remainder of state reporting of D-SNAP data on the FNS-292B (Report of Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefit Issuance) is approved under two separate OMB Control Numbers. The recordkeeping burden for FNS-292B is approved under OMB Control Number 0584-0037 (expiration date: 9/30/2026), and the reporting burden for FNS-292B is approved under OMB Control Number 0584-0594 (Food Programs Reporting System; expiration date: 3/31/2025). None of the burden activities for the other approved OMB control numbers cited in this notice have been outlined in this submission.

Because it is impossible to predict the number of natural disasters and extreme weather events that result in an IA declaration in a given year, and because some state agencies may find that operation of a D-SNAP is not warranted even upon receipt of an IA declaration, FNS is revising the burden estimate for submitting a waiver request to operate D-SNAP based on the annual average number of formal D-SNAP waiver requests submitted and approved since this collection was last approved. From federal fiscal year 2022 to 2024, an average of 9 state agencies requested to operate D-SNAP each year and an average of 4 state agencies requested to modify and/or extend. The number of hours per response has not changed for submitting a waiver request, but the estimated total burden hours has increased due to the higher number of state agency requests.

FNS is adding several reporting activities by state agencies to this information collection that have not been captured by previous submissions. State agency administration of D-SNAP has evolved over time and FNS is seeking to ensure that we are accounting for the full amount of burden hours. Including the additional burden hours by state agencies via the submission of the sample application, draft press release, daily reports, and the post disaster report accurately captures the information collection burden of administering D-SNAP.

Summary

This notice announces the surplus and purchased foods that the Department expects to make available for donation to states for use in providing nutrition assistance to the needy under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in fiscal year (FY) 2025. The foods made available under this notice must, at the discretion of the state, be distributed to eligible recipient agencies (ERAs) for use in preparing meals and/or for distribution to households for home consumption.

Supplementary Information

In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (EFAA), 7 USC 7501, et seq., and the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 U.S.C. 2036, the Department makes foods available to states for use in providing nutrition assistance to those in need through TEFAP. In accordance with section 214 of the EFAA, 7 USC 7515, funding for TEFAP foods is allocated among states according to a formula that accounts for poverty and unemployment levels within each state. Section 214(a)(1) of the Act requires that 60 percent of each state's allocation be based on the number of people with incomes below the poverty level within the state; and Section 214(a)(2) requires that the remaining 40 percent be equal to the percentage of the nation's unemployed persons within the state. State officials are responsible for establishing the network through which the foods will be used by ERAs in providing nutrition assistance to those in need and for allocating foods among those ERAs. States have full discretion in determining the amount of foods that will be made available to ERAs for use in preparing meals and/or for distribution to households for home consumption.

Surplus Foods

Surplus foods donated for distribution under TEFAP are Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) foods purchased under the authority of section 416 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, 7 USC 1431 (section 416) and foods purchased under the surplus removal authority of section 32 of the Act of Aug. 24, 1935, 7 USC 612c (section 32). The types of foods typically purchased under section 416 include dairy, grains, oils, and peanut products. The types of foods purchased under section 32 include meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, dry beans, juices, and fruits.

Approximately $262 million in surplus foods acquired in FY 2024 are being delivered to states in FY 2025. Surplus foods currently scheduled for delivery in FY 2025 include almonds, apples, applesauce, asparagus, cheese, dates, figs, fish, grape juice, grapefruit, hazelnuts, milk, peaches, pears, pecans, pistachios, plums, potatoes, strawberries, and walnuts. Other surplus foods may be made available to TEFAP throughout the year. The Department would like to point out that food acquisitions are based on changing agricultural market conditions; therefore, the availability of foods is subject to change.

Purchased Foods

In accordance with section 27 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 USC 2036, the Secretary is directed to purchase an estimated $462.25 million worth of foods in FY 2025 for distribution through TEFAP.

For FY 2025, the Department anticipates purchasing the foods listed in the following table for distribution through TEFAP. The amounts of each item purchased will depend on the prices the Department must pay, as well as the quantity of each item requested by the states. Changes in agricultural market conditions may result in the availability of additional types of foods or the non-availability of one or more foods listed in the table.

FY 2025 USDA Foods Available List for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Key

 Fruits

• Apples, Braeburn, Fresh
• Apples, Empire, Fresh
• Apples, Fuji, Fresh
• Apples, Gala, Fresh
• Apples, Granny Smith, Fresh
• Apples, Red Delicious, Fresh
• Apples, Fresh
• Apple Juice, 100%, Unsweetened
• Apple Slices, Unsweetened, Frozen (IQF)

• Applesauce, Unsweetened, Canned (K)
• Applesauce, Unsweetened, Cups, Shelf-Stable
• Apricots, Halves, Extra Light Syrup, Canned
• Blueberries, Highbush, Unsweetened, Frozen
• Cherry Apple Juice, 100%, Unsweetened
• Cranberry Apple Juice, 100%, Unsweetened
• Cranberries, Dried, Individual Portion
• Grape Juice, Concord, 100%, Unsweetened

• Grapefruit Juice, 100%, Unsweetened
• Fruit and Nut Mix, Dried
• Mixed Fruit, Extra Light Syrup, Canned
• Oranges, Fresh
• Orange Juice, 100%, Unsweetened
• Peaches, Freestone, Slices, Frozen
• Peaches, Sliced, Extra Light Syrup, Canned
• Pears, Bartlett, Fresh

• Pears, Bosc, Fresh
• Pears, D'Anjou, Fresh
• Pears, Fresh
• Pears, Extra Light Syrup, Canned (K)
• Plums, Pitted, Dried
• Raisins, Unsweetened, Individual Portion
• Raisins, Unsweetened
• Strawberries, Whole, Unsweetened, Frozen (IQF)

Dairy

• Cheese, American, Reduced Fat, Loaves, Refrigerated
• Cheese, Cheddar, Yellow, Shredded, Refrigerated
• Cheese, Cheddar, Yellow, Chunks, Refrigerated

• Milk, 1%, Shelf-Stable UHT
• Milk, 1%, Individual Portion, Shelf-Stable UHT
• Milk 1% Fresh

• Milk, Skim, Fresh Yogurt, High-Protein, Vanilla, Chilled (K)Milk, Skim, Fresh
• Yogurt, High-Protein, Vanilla, Chilled (K)

• Yogurt, High-Protein, Blueberry, Chilled (K)
• Yogurt, High-Protein, Strawberry, Chilled (K)

Vegetables

• Beans, Green, Low-sodium, Canned (K)
• Beans, Green, No Salt Added, Frozen
• Carrots, Diced, No Salt Added, Frozen
• Carrots, Sliced, Low-sodium, Canned
• Corn, Whole Kernel, No Salt Added, Canned (K)
• Corn, Cream Style, Low-sodium, Canned
• Corn, Whole Kernel, No Salt Added, Frozen

• Mixed Produce Box, Fresh
• Mixed Vegetables, 7-Way Blend, Low-sodium, Canned
• Peas, Green, Low-sodium, Canned
• Peas, Green, No Salt Added, Frozen
• Potatoes, Dehydrated Flakes
• Potatoes, Round, Fresh

• Potatoes, Russet, Fresh
• Potatoes, Sliced, Low-sodium, Canned
• Pumpkin, No Salt Added, Canned
• Spaghetti Sauce, Low-sodium, Canned
• Spinach, Low-sodium, Canned
• Sweet Potatoes, Fresh

• Tomato Juice, 100%, Low-sodium
• Tomato Sauce, Low-sodium, Canned
• Tomato Sauce, Low-sodium, Canned (K) (H)
• Tomato Soup, Condensed, Low-sodium, Canned
• Tomatoes, Diced, No Salt Added, Canned
• Vegetable Soup, Condensed, Low-Sodium, Canned

Legumes

• Beans, Black, Low-sodium, Canned
• Beans, Black-eyed Pea, Low-sodium, Canned
• Beans, Black-eyed Pea, Dry
• Beans, Garbanzo, Canned (K)

• Beans, Great Northern, Dry
• Beans, Kidney, Light Red, Low-sodium, Canned
• Beans, Kidney, Light Red, Dry
• Beans, Lima, Baby, Dry

• Beans, Pinto, Low-sodium, Canned
• Beans, Pinto, Dry
• Beans, Refried, Low-sodium, Canned

• Beans, Vegetarian, Low-sodium, Canned
• Lentils, Dry
• Peas, Green Split, Dry

Protein Foods

• Alaska Pollock, Fillets, Frozen
• Alaska Pollock, Whole Grain Breaded Fish Sticks, Frozen
• Almonds, Natural, Whole, Shelled
• Atlantic Haddock, Fillet, Frozen
• Atlantic Ocean Perch, Fillet, Frozen
• Atlantic, Pollock, Fillet, Frozen
• Beef, Canned/Pouch
• Beef, Fine Ground, 85% Lean/15% Fat, Frozen

• Beef, Fine Ground, 85% Lean/15% Fat, Frozen, LFTB OPT, Frozen
• Beef Stew, Canned/Pouch
• Catfish, Fillets, Farm-Raised, Frozen
• Catfish, Filets, Wild-Caught, Frozen
• Chicken, Boneless Breast, Frozen
• Chicken, Canned
• Chicken, Drumsticks, Frozen
• Chicken, Pouch

• Chicken, Split Breast, Frozen
• Chicken, Whole, Frozen
• Eggs, Fresh
• Egg Mix, Dried
• Peanut Butter, Smooth
• Peanut Butter, Smooth (K)
• Peanut Butter, Smooth, Individual Portion

• Peanuts, Roasted, Unsalted
• Pork, Canned/Pouch
• Pork, Ham, Frozen
• Salmon, Pink, Canned
• Salmon, Pink, Canned (K)
• Turkey, Deli Breast, Sliced, Frozen
• Walnut, Pieces

Grains

• Bakery Mix, Low-fat (K)
• Cereal, Ready-to-Eat
• Cereal, Wheat Farina, Enriched
• Crackers, Unsalted
• Cornmeal, Yellow
• Flour, All Purpose, Enriched, Bleached

• Flour, White Whole Wheat (WG)
• Grits, Corn, White
• Grits, Corn, Yellow
• Oats, Rolled, Quick Cooking (WG)
• Pasta, Egg Noodles

• Pasta, Macaroni, Enriched
• Pasta, Macaroni (WG)
• Pasta, Macaroni and Cheese
• Pasta, Rotini (WG)
• Pasta, Spaghetti, Enriched

• Pasta, Spaghetti (WG)
• Rice, Brown, Long-Grain, Parboiled (WG)
• Rice, Medium Grain
• Rice, Long Grain
• Tortillas, Frozen (WG)

Oils

Oil, Vegetable

Other

• Soup, Cream of Chicken, Condensed, Reduced Sodium
• Soup, Cream of Mushroom, Condensed, Reduced Sodium

This page is updated annually to provide income guidelines for state agencies to use in determining the eligibility of households to receive USDA Foods for home consumption in TEFAP.

Per 7 CFR 251.5(b), each TEFAP state agency must establish uniform statewide criteria for determining eligibility for USDA Foods for home consumption. This eligibility criteria must include maximum income-based standards at or between 185 percent to 300 percent of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines (Poverty Guidelines) published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

To find your state's TEFAP income eligibility guidelines, please contact your state agency.

2025 Income Guidelines

48 Contiguous States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico

Alaska

Hawaii

This memorandum transmits information on 2025 TEFAP Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for state agencies to determine the eligibility of households to receive USDA Foods for home consumption in TEFAP.

Per 7 CFR 251.5(b), each TEFAP state agency must establish uniform statewide criteria for determining eligibility for USDA Foods for home consumption. This eligibility criteria must include maximum income-based standards at or between 185 percent to 300 percent of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines (Poverty Guidelines) published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). State agencies may propose use of income-based standards above 300 percent of the Poverty Guidelines with supporting rationale, subject to approval by FNS. FD-120, Participant Eligibility in TEFAP, provides additional information on this process.

TEFAP state agencies should update their income standards to reflect the 2025 Poverty Guidelines upon receipt of this memorandum. For state agency reference, the attached tables contain the Poverty Guidelines and annual household income limits at 185 percent of the Poverty Guidelines. To establish annual income limits of 185 percent, the Poverty Guidelines are multiplied by 1.85, and the results are rounded up to the next whole dollar. From these results, weekly and monthly income limits are calculated. State agencies may use a similar process to determine income limits at their established thresholds. The first table includes the income limits for households residing in the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Separate income limits for Alaska and Hawaii are established and published annually by HHS, reflected in the second and third tables.

State agencies should direct any questions they may have regarding the 2025 TEFAP IEGs to their respective FNS regional offices.

Sara Olson
Director
Policy Division
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs

Attachment

• Income Guidelines 2025

February 13, 2025

Dear State, Tribal, Territory, and Local Government Partners,

First, thank you for your tireless work serving our most vulnerable families and communities. The scale and scope of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA, Department) 16 nutrition programs is vast, and their mission, critical. However, each of these programs is funded by the generosity of the American taxpayer; men and women who expect programs across every federal agency to be executed with integrity and accountability.

I write you today to share my guiding principles regarding nutrition programs, and to encourage states to partner with us as innovative collaborators and policy incubators. Gone are the days of the status quo; today starts a new chapter for the Department, states, territories, tribal communities, and each who render or receive nutrition programs.

Therefore, you have my commitment to:

• Prioritize timely and satisfactory customer service.
• Support state innovation through approvals of waivers and pilot projects.
• Clarify statutory, regulatory, and administrative requirements.
• Take swift action to minimize instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse.
• Develop and implement modernized systems.
• Associate access to SNAP benefits with clear expectations that those who can work, do.
• Create new opportunities to connect America’s farmers to nutrition assistance programs.
• Encourage states to choose policy options that protect both participants and the taxpayer.
• Strengthen strategies to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families.
• Improve federal dietary policy to align with science, not politics.
• Infuse each nutrition program with new energy and vision.

Each of these principles are catalysts for change and will allow us to better serve families across the country.

We have a historic opportunity to improve nutrition programs to better serve individuals who need additional support. Our shared goal should be to lift millions of Americans out of dependency and into hopeful futures and unimagined possibilities. It will require tireless energy and new and innovative approaches to long-ignored problems. But you have always been the greatest “laboratories of democracy,” and I am confident that the best ideas will come from you. I strongly encourage you to pilot creative solutions that could become the model for other states, and indeed for the nation.

The Department stands ready to serve you through technical assistance and dialogue. Together, we will find the bold and sustainable solutions that deliver effective programs to our most vulnerable families. I sincerely look forward to working closely with you and your teams, collaborating with you as we take a comprehensive look at these programs, visiting your communities, and putting America  on a path to growth, opportunity, and innovation to dramatically improve the lives of our citizens.

Sincerely,

Brooke L. Rollins
Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture