FNS Documents & Resources

We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible work environment where everyone can leverage their skills and talents in support of our mission.

FNS has 7 regional offices who work directly with state agencies and other stakeholders to manage and administer the 15 nutrition assistance programs.

The Food and Nutrition Service is headquartered in Alexandria, VA. In partnership with state and tribal governments, our programs serve one in four Americans during the course of a year. We work hard every day to ensure that no one goes hungry.  

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is committed to being one of the best agencies in the federal government.  

The rules concerning student eligibility for SNAP are changing due to the lifting of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. To help state agencies prepare for these changes, FNS has consolidated and is sharing existing resources related to student eligibility. 

To help SNAP state agencies prepare for the lifting of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration on May 11, 2023, FNS is sharing the enclosed table summarizing the timelines for ending PHE flexibilities. These flexibilities include waivers of SNAP regulations, adjustments of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, temporary changes to eligibility criteria for ABAWDs and students, and the issuance of EAs during the PHE. 

FNS-SNAP is providing this example notice to help all state agencies develop their own letter/notice to provide to SNAP households about the changes in student exemptions when the federal public health emergency ends. 

FNS is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals receive SNAP benefits. One policy area that impacts eligibility is the statutory and regulatory restrictions that apply to students enrolled in institutions of higher education (IHE). This memo serves to clarify two elements of longstanding SNAP policy: which individuals are considered enrolled in an IHE and, therefore, subject to the student eligibility rules, and which students are exempt from the SNAP work requirements. 

FNS strongly recommends that all states develop a SNAP outreach plan. In addition to increasing enrollment among eligible non-participating households, SNAP outreach can help reduce churn by encouraging existing SNAP households to recertify. 

Hear how states and community colleges are leveraging SNAP E&T and other federal, state, and philanthropic funding streams to transform partnerships between community colleges and human service agencies—increasing educational attainment, connection to quality jobs, and elevating student and worker voice.