This memorandum clarifies policy related to the implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)," which amended SNAP regulations related to firms that are ineligible to be SNAP authorized because they are restaurants.
FNS is targeting the areas of program operation listed, for state SNAP Agency Management Evaluations for the upcoming fiscal year. State SNAP agencies are required to conduct MEs for the target areas in the upcoming fiscal year.
FNS is issuing the attached set of questions and answers to address inquiries received about the implementation of SNAP-Ed in response to COVID-19.
Each fiscal year, state SNAP agencies must conduct management evaluations in certain project areas within the state. States must schedule and complete these ME reviews and the areas of program operation targeted for the fiscal year by FNS. However, the COVID-19 public health emergency has disrupted state ME activities.
FNS is issuing the attached set of questions and answers to address inquiries received about the implementation of the April 30, 2020, waiver of March, April and May 2020 SNAP QC reviews.
The purpose of this policy memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the criteria for initiating government-wide debarment actions against retail firms that have been disqualified from SNAP.
FNS has received multiple requests from state agencies for various QC related flexibilities in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Extensive certification policy waivers have already made normal QC procedures difficult to apply, and FNS has determined that temporarily waiving the QC review is appropriate.
Questions and Answers for SNAP state agencies related to the reporting of Pandemic EBT and SNAP Emergency Allotments
FNS is permitting all interested state agencies to extend certification periods and accordingly adjust periodic report submission dates for ongoing SNAP households who are due for recertification or periodic reporting through June 30, 2020.
Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID– 19).