FNS Documents & Resources

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT for school children and children in child care.

FNS has received additional questions from state agencies and other stakeholders, and has responded with a second Question and Answer memorandum.

In response to the President’s Executive Order on Economic Relief Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic issued on Jan. 22, 2021, which directed all federal agencies to consider administrative actions to better address the current economic crisis resulting from the pandemic, USDA reviewed and updated the SNAP EA guidance.

In an effort to make the distribution of P-EBT benefits to eligible children as efficient as possible, USDA has developed a simple P-EBT summer plan template. The template allows states to elect a USDA-determined standard benefit that relieves states of the burden of determining their own benefit levels based on state-specific school district calendars.

USDA estimates that in 2019, there were 22,000 active duty service members in households that received SNAP. Another 213,000 members of the Reserves/National Guard lived in households that received SNAP.

In good times and tough times, USDA’s nutrition assistance programs are among the most far-reaching, powerful tools available to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, have access to healthy, affordable food.

Stewardship of federal funds is a basic expectation of American taxpayers and is critical to the ongoing success of nutrition assistance programs. FNS continuously works to detect, prevent, and minimize errors and improper payments, as well as fraud, waste, or abuse. In this way, FNS preserves public trust, enhances partner relationships, and provides excellent customer service to program participants.

SNAP E&T transforms lives of SNAP participants by connecting them to employment. It can help participants gain

the skills, training, and work experience needed to obtain and maintain regular employment. SNAP E&T includes participant assessments, case management, education and training activities, and supportive services.

SNAP-Ed is an evidence-based program that promotes healthy food choices, obesity prevention, and physical activity. SNAP-Ed teaches participants about good nutrition and how to make their food dollars stretch further.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and households via a monthly benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card, which can be used at authorized retailer stores to purchase food. SNAP is the largest Federal nutrition assistance program.