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Resource | Policy Memos SNAP FY 2025 Priority Areas for State Outreach Plans

FNS is committed to increasing access to SNAP, one of the most powerful tools available to ensure low-income people have access to healthy food. Program informational activities, or SNAP outreach activities, are a critical tool to ensure vulnerable populations are aware of the availability, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits of SNAP.

02/01/2024
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Emergency Allotments (EA) Provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023

On Dec. 29, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Division HH, Title IV, Section 503(b), of the Act ends SNAP EA that were provided by Section 2302(a)(1) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The law terminates EA after the issuance of February 2023 benefits. Therefore, the last benefit month that may include EA is February 2023.

01/06/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP and TANF Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Skimming Prevention– Tools and Resources

USDA's FNS and ACF at the Department of Health and Human Services are aware of increasing reports of benefit theft by criminal actors through EBT card skimming schemes. After discussions with EBT processors and fraud prevention stakeholders, FNS and ACF have identified prevention measures that can be adopted to improve card security while we work towards longer-term strategies.

10/31/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Joint Letter on Public Charge

This is a letter clarifying public charge policy as it pertains to SNAP participation. The letter is jointly signed by FNS and USCIS.

10/19/2022
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – End of Temporary Student Exemptions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

This memorandum provides guidance to SNAP state agencies on the end of the temporary student exemptions as described in Section 702(e) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). This expands upon the SNAP Student Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - Questions and Answers – Section 702(e) memorandum issued on Feb. 2, 2021. 

10/12/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Carta conjunta sobre la carga publica

Esta es una carta que aclara la política de carga pública en lo que respecta a la participación en SNAP. La carta está firmada conjuntamente por FNS y USCIS.

01/05/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0078 Administrative and Judicial Review

Any firm may request administrative and judicial review, if it is aggrieved by any of the actions described in SNAP regulations. The Administrative Review Branch ensures that FNS follows the provisions of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP regulations, and agency retailer policy, and that the agency's administrative actions are equitable and consistent.

Policy Memorandum 2021-01
07/30/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0134 Retailer Eligibility - Prepared Foods and Heated Foods

This memorandum defines heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer eligibility determinations. Only staple food products are counted toward a firm’s eligibility to participate in SNAP. Heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods are not considered staple foods, and are not counted when determining if a firm meets Criterion A or Criterion B to be eligible to participate in SNAP as an authorized retail food store.

SNAP 2020-06
07/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0121 Retailer Eligibility - Social Security Number (SSN)

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must collect certain taxpayer identification numbers of retailers who apply to participate in SNAP. Acceptable taxpayer identification numbers include both a Social Security Number and any Employer Identification Number assigned to the firm by the Internal Revenue Service.

SNAP 2020-11
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0120 Retailer Eligibility - Application of 6 Month Waiting Period

This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet SNAP eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization.

SNAP 2020-09
07/13/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021