We discuss information and resources provided in the revised USDA Foods in Disaster Manual, June 2021 to help you be prepared for the use of USDA Foods in disasters, emergencies and situations of distress
This webinar is intended for state distributing agencies and FNS regional office staff and highlights how USDA Foods may be used in congregate feeding or disaster household distribution during a disaster, emergency, or situation of distress response. We discuss the importance of planning, preparation and communication before, during and after a disaster response.
In this webinar, we discuss what actions you can take and the resources available to be better prepared for a disaster when utilizing USDA Foods.
By Sasha McNair, Governmental Affairs Specialist, Food and Nutrition Service
USDA recently teamed with local, state and federal partners in Michigan to share with Flint residents healthy eating habits that can mitigate lead absorption in the body. Consuming foods high in calcium, iron and Vitamin C – and keeping their stomachs full – can reduce lead levels.
Through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 20 13 (PL 11 3-2), States affected by Hurricane Sandy are provided with $5.7 million in supplemental funding for TEFAP. The assistance was initially offered to twelve States and the District of Columbia that were directly affected by Hurricane Sandy, based on major disaster declarations and eligibility for individual assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In total, nine States accepted at least some supplemental assistance; funding that was not accepted by certain States was reallocated proportionately to the remaining States. The attached worksheet shows the amounts that each State will receive as USDA Foods and administrative funds.
On Jan. 29, 201 3, President Barack Obama signed the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act 2013, providing TEFAP with $6 million in supplemental funding. The Act gives the Secretary authority to provide these funds to the States affected by Hurricane Sandy without regard to the formula normally used to allocate TEFAP entitlement foods and administrative funding among the States. In addition, the Act also gives the Secretary authority to provide the supplemental funding as USDA Foods, administrative funds, or both.