This memorandum adjusts the total number of exemptions available to each state for FY 2023. This includes increases in the number of exemptions available to states in which caseloads increased by more than 10 percent.
FNS is providing a comprehensive list of SNAP resource materials and policy memos to equip state agencies with key information to prepare for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
In preparation for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, FNS is sharing critical decision points and important resources state agencies should reference as they plan to reinstate the ABAWD time-limit.
To help SNAP state agencies prepare for the lifting of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration on May 11, 2023, FNS is sharing the enclosed table summarizing the timelines for ending PHE flexibilities. These flexibilities include waivers of SNAP regulations, adjustments of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, temporary changes to eligibility criteria for ABAWDs and students, and the issuance of EAs during the PHE.
On Dec. 29, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Division HH, Title IV, Section 503(b), of the Act ends SNAP EA that were provided by Section 2302(a)(1) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The law terminates EA after the issuance of February 2023 benefits. Therefore, the last benefit month that may include EA is February 2023.
This memorandum provides guidance to SNAP state agencies on the end of the temporary student exemptions as described in Section 702(e) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). This expands upon the SNAP Student Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - Questions and Answers – Section 702(e) memorandum issued on Feb. 2, 2021.
FNS has estimated the number of new discretionary exemptions each state has earned for FY 2023. States that operated under a statewide waiver of the ABAWD time limit did not earn any new exemptions.
This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies requesting flexibility with regard to the maximum monthly allowance (MMA) requirements in WIC as a result of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location and product-based WIC infant formula shortages.
Nationwide waiver of the summer sponsor application deadline and to allow reimbursement for meals served prior to notification of approval for summer 2022 operations.
Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and based on the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, FNS is extending the nationwide waiver to allow meal service operations outside of the standard meal service times in the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option through Sept. 30, 2022.