This memo provides guidance to state agencies regarding the enactment of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. FSP announce its conclusion that the best approach to such projects, given the statutory authority, is to approve them as demonstration projects under Section 17 of the Food Stamp Act.
Several state agencies have recently asked FNS to approve increases in their Standard Utility Allowances (SUA’s) for heating and cooling based on projections of substantial price increases in energy sources – particularly natural gas. We are aware of broad interest in the issue of the impact of higher energy prices on household budgets and appreciate the conferences and correspondence that bring this issue to our attention.
It has been determined that TEFAP commodities can be used for demonstration purposes in accordance with current regulations.
The purpose of this memorandum is to advise you of our decision to offer state agencies the opportunity to participate in a demonstration project to exclude the income of temporary census employees.
This notice reminds state agencies of the requirements of the Food Stamp Program regulations and suggests guidelines for development of standard utility and/or telephone allowances by presenting examples of some of the methodologies used by states to develop these allowances.