This memorandum highlights the importance of utilizing standardized checklists, proactive communication to resolve red flags, and detailed documentation throughout the review and decision-making process. It outlines a clear sequence of actions designed to ensure only institutions that fully meet statutory and regulatory requirements enter the program. By following these recommended procedures, state agencies help uphold public confidence, prevent fraud and waste, and safeguard the integrity and accountability that underpin the mission of USDA’s nutrition assistance programs.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program serves children and adults in care settings and relies on strong program integrity to ensure federal resources are used appropriately and reach eligible participants.
This proposed rule modernizes Electronic Benefit Transfer technology and brings EBT into alignment with consumer payment processing industry standards, improving the experiences of SNAP participants.
This memorandum provides the fiscal year 2027 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.
As stewards of federal program funds, state agencies must remain vigilant in identifying unusual claiming patterns, errors, or practices that could indicate potential fraud. This memorandum provides guidance to help state agencies recognize common red flags, take timely corrective action, and ensure that program operations remain compliant, transparent, and protective of taxpayer resources.
This memorandum highlights the importance of enforcing recordkeeping systems, clarifying required documentation, and strengthening state agencies’ oversight tools to prevent improper payments, reduce fraud and waste, and uphold public confidence in the program.
To strengthen program integrity and ensure that federal funds are used correctly, we conducted the CACFP Claims Validation Project in the spring of 2026. Through this effort, we aimed to identify irregularities, address vulnerabilities, and reinforce the systems needed to prevent misuse of program funds. The results of this project will be used to inform future rule-making and policy guidance.
This worksheet can be used to empower Child and Adult Care Food Program providers and operators with the knowledge, skills and expertise to implement meal pattern requirements.
This worksheet can be used to empower Child and Adult Care Food Program providers and operators with the knowledge, skills and expertise to implement meal pattern requirements.
We published the Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Final Rule. To support retailer implementation, we are issuing this memo to describe the new minimum staple food stocking requirements across the four staple food categories: 1. Dairy; 2. Grains; 3. Protein; 4. Vegetables or Fruits. This memo also provides an updated list of accessory foods.