This memorandum provides a detailed explanation of the expanded geographic preference option.
Recently, FNS has received a number of questions related to buying local meat, poultry, game, and eggs; this memorandum seeks to clarify the regulatory requirements related to food safety and answer specific questions related to these products with a series of questions and answers.
USDA is aware of increased reports of EBT theft due to card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent methods. On Dec. 29, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (the Omnibus), which includes provisions for the replacement of stolen EBT benefits with federal funds.
USDA's FNS and ACF at the Department of Health and Human Services are aware of increasing reports of benefit theft by criminal actors through EBT card skimming schemes. After discussions with EBT processors and fraud prevention stakeholders, FNS and ACF have identified prevention measures that can be adopted to improve card security while we work towards longer-term strategies.
The purpose of this memorandum is to notify WIC state agencies that the monthly value of the cash value voucher for fruits and vegetables for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women will increase from $10 to $11 beginning in FY 2016 on Oct. 1, 2015.
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the incorporation of local foods and agriculture-based curriculum in early childhood education and care settings, clarifies policies in the recently published FNS Instruction relevant to local food production and procurement, and includes questions and answers regarding procuring local food for use in the CACFP.
SNAP Questions and Answers Concerning the Trafficking Controls and Fraud Investigations Final Rule
In February, 2013, FNS published final regulations revising the definition of trafficking. It subsequently came to our attention that some states were not clear that upon its effective date, federal law takes precedence and states were expected to implement the new federal trafficking definition.
The increased focus on SNAP integrity has required FNS and the states to review their procedures for responding to integrity issues, specifically a clarification of FNS' responsibility when a state employee is found guilty of fraud while administering the program.
Strengthening SNAP integrity, rooting out waste, fraud and abuse so that federal dollars are used appropriately.