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.
Middle school students participate in a tasting event where they sample and vote on a variety of school menu options.
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.
In 2025, we completed an evidence scan on household food waste in the United States. FNA staff identified potential peer reviewers through outreach to federal scientists within USDA with an advanced degree and expertise specific to the questions being reviewed. All peer reviewers were external to the evidence scan process.
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.
Try-Days offer both children and school staff the chance to try new foods in a fun and supportive environment.
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.