This memo is addressed to TEFAP state agencies and provides the initial allocations for FY 2021 Farm to Food Bank Projects. This memo includes details on information collections under OMB# 0584-0293 and OMB# 0584-0594.
In FY 2020, TEFAP received a significant amount of additional funding for food purchases and administrative expenses through the Food Purchase Distribution Program and legislation in response to the novel coronavirus public health emergency.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act provides $450 million in supplemental funding for TEFAP for FY 2020, with up to $150 million of the supplemental funding is available as administrative funds and the remaining amount will be made available as food funds.
With the recent passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to assist with the novel coronavirus public health emergency, WIC received an increase in funding for the program as well as increased ability to provide states with the flexibilities they need to support mothers, infants and children that rely on WIC.
During an emergency situation such as the COVID-19 public health emergency, there are flexibilities available to TEFAP state agencies to assist them in continuing to provide food to people in need. Implementing TEFAP flexibilities can be achieved simply by submitting a written explanation (i.e., state plan amendment) to the FNS regional office for expedited review and approval.
In FY 2019, USDA provided $49.1 million to assist with the operational costs of the receipt, storage, and distribution of TEFAP Trade Mitigation Program foods, now referred to as Food Purchase Distribution Program foods.
Policy Memorandum FD-126 provides clarification on 7 CFR 251.10(e)(2)(i). This memorandum outlines the method state agencies should use to monitor eligible recipient agencies' expenditures of TEFAP administrative funds.
TEFAP state agencies must efficiently manage their resources to meet federal monitoring requirements and promote program integrity. This policy memorandum clarifies the requirements for state agencies to review eligible 4ecipient agencies that receive TEFAP foods and/or administrative funds.
This purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify that state agencies must maintain lists of all Eligible Recipient Agencies (ERAs) that have an agreement with the state or with another ERA to participate in TEFAP.
This memorandum is being released on the direction of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012 (PL 112-255), Conference Report 112-284. This policy memo clarifies the TEFAP regulations at 7 CFR Part 251.5(b).