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Resource | Policy Memos SNAP - Publication of the Race and Ethnicity Data Collection Final Rule

Through this rulemaking, FNS aims to improve the quality of race and ethnicity data collected and to ensure program benefits are distributed without regard to race, color, or national origin.

12/20/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Improvements to Federal Financial Accounting

This communication is intended to provide states with information about a change in the FNS accounting process for obligating SNAP funds.

09/18/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Updated Guidance for Improving State Agency Application Processing Timeliness Rates: Standardizing the Escalation Process

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise state agencies on the steps the Food and Nutrition Service will take to monitor and engage state agencies with poor SNAP initial application processing timeliness rates.

08/02/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Best Practices for Streamlining Applications for Year-Round Program Operations

This memorandum provides best practices for establishing a single application process for experienced program operators providing year-round meal services to at-risk children in low-income areas.

CACFP 08-2023, SFSP 10-2023
06/12/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Policy Memo #2023-6: Streamlining Certification Documentation Guidance

This policy memorandum provides guidance to improve outreach and streamline certification in WIC. It outlines current flexibilities and new policy for certification documentation options and aims to reduce WIC staff and participant burden.

WPM 2023-6
05/19/2023
Resource | Policy WIC Policy Memorandum #2023-5: Data Sharing to Improve Outreach and Streamline Certification in WIC

This policy memorandum provides guidance on data sharing activities that support targeted outreach and streamlined certification processes aimed at increasing WIC participation and retention. It expresses USDA FNS support of data sharing, provides an overview of data sharing relevant to WIC, summarizes WIC program guidance on sharing confidential WIC participant data, and lays the groundwork for future guidance and resources to help WIC state agencies expand outreach and streamline the
certification process.

WPM 2023-5
04/25/2023
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0023 WIC and WIC FMNP American Rescue Plan Act - Program Modernization

This Informational memorandum signals USDA FNS’ intent to set forth efforts in support of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Act provides $390 million for FY 2021, to remain available through FY 2024, to carry out outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts, including appropriate waivers and flexibility, to increase participation and redemption of benefits.

03/18/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0012 FDPIR Federal Pandemic Unemployment Income Exclusion

On Dec. 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. This Act excludes federal pandemic unemployment compensation payments authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act from consideration as income for the purposes of determining FDPIR eligibility. 

02/12/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0036 Clarification of State Options for Determining Fleeing Felon Status for SNAP

FNS is issuing this policy memo to clarify state options and requirements relating to the determination of fleeing felon status under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations at 7 CFR 273.11(n).  

06/27/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0035 Changes to Martinez Fleeing Felon Test after Barry v. Lyon Decision

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  regulations at 7 CFR 273.11(n) require state agencies to choose between two tests to establish fleeing felon status: the four-part test and the alternative test, often called the Martinez test. This policy memo clarifies changes in the Martinez test necessitated by the Walter Barry, et al. v. Nick Lyon decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

06/27/2017
Page updated: October 14, 2021