This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “Federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other interested parties to comment on a proposed information collection. This collection is an extension of a currently approved collection to conduct research in support of FNS' goal of delivering science-based nutrition education to targeted audiences.
FNS plays a vital role in providing supplemental nutrition assistance when disasters occur by coordinating with states, territories, Tribes, and local voluntary organizations.
This final rule revises regulations for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and USDA Foods disaster response regulations. This final rule makes improvements in USDA’s food distribution programs.
FNS coordinates with state, local, and disaster relief organizations including Indian Tribal Organizations to provide nutrition assistance to those affected by major disasters, emergencies, and situations of distress. This disaster assistance includes USDA Foods Disaster Assistance.
Questions and answers about Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity Final Rule published on Oct. 31, 2024.
Summary of the provisions in the final rule and how they compare to previous program regulations.
The 2023 Farm to School Census collected information on farm to school participation by school food authorities (SFAs) in school year 2022–23. Every SFA participating in the National School Lunch Program in the 50 states, Washington, DC, and five territories received an online survey asking about the farm to school activities they participated in, details of their participation, and their perspectives on farm to school.
This document informs the public that FNS is withdrawing the proposed rule titled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2016.
You are invited to share these messages and resources about how school meals help empower children to grow, learn and thrive.