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Resource | Policy Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA); Interpretation of “Federal Public Benefit”

This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “Federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.

07/10/2025
Resource | Policy Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines (2025-2026)

This notice announces the Department's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals, free milk, and Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer benefits for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. 

03/13/2025
Resource | Policy Memos Use of Enrollment Data for Establishing Claiming Percentages and Determining the Eligibility of Proprietary Centers

There are several instances in the CACFP regulations where the definition of an enrolled child/program participant is critical to the appropriate application of program requirements.

11/15/2004
Resource | Policy Memos Extension of Certain Child Nutrition Program Provisions through June 30, 2004

On March 31, 2004, the President signed PL 108-211 that continues appropriations for the Child Nutrition Programs and extends several provisions that were to expire on March 31, 2004.

04/02/2004
Resource Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines (2004-2005)

This notice announces the Department's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals or free milk for the period from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005.

03/29/2004
Resource | Policy Memos Extension of Certain Child Nutrition Programs Provisions through March 31, 2004

On Nov. 22, 2003, PL 108-134 was enacted. This law continues appropriations for the child nutrition programs and extends several provisions that were to expire on Nov. 21, 2003.

01/12/2004
Resource | Policy Memos Automatic Eligibility of State-Funded Pre-K Participants for Free Meals in CACFP, NSLP and SBP

In response to inquiries from three regional offices, we are issuing the attached guidance with regard to the eligibility for free meals of children participating in state-funded pre-kindergarten programs.

07/22/1999
Resource Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines (1999-2000)

This Notice announces the Department's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals or free milk for the period from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000.

04/02/1999
Resource | Policy Memos Two-tiered Reimbursement Structure: Approaches to Establishing the Eligibility of Enrolled Children in a Tier II Day Care Home

In response to questions from regional offices, state agencies, and sponsoring organizations, this memorandum clarifies how sponsoring organizations may establish the income eligibility of children enrolled in tier II day care homes.

06/02/1997
Resource | Policy Memos Memorandum for Child Nutrition State Directors Concerning the TANF Program

The memorandum explains the circumstances under which a state agency may use the automatic eligibility provisions for free school meals and milk for children from households who are receiving assistance under the state’s TANF Program. It also discusses TANF as it affects reimbursement and eligibility under the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program.

05/19/1997
Page updated: October 14, 2021