The purpose of this memo is to provide guiding principles that assist state agencies in meeting regulatory requirements. Effective engagement by state agencies with tribes is essential to meeting the nutrition needs of citizens of tribal nations.
USDA FNS, Tribes, and SNAP state agencies share goals to improve nutrition and health for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) through nutrition assistance and nutrition education.
FNS provides the attached policy clarification to state agencies to answer state questions on screening and referral, improve compliance with the regulations, and provide a more accountable E&T program to participants served.
The Office of lnspector General's 2016 Audit Report, Food and Nutrition Service Controls over SNAP Benefits for Able Bodied Adults without Dependents, recommended that FNS perform analysis to identify problematic areas for states in terms of ABAWD policy and then provide states with additional best practices to address those areas.