This manual contains important information for persons in FNS headquarters, FNS regional offices, and distributing agencies, which include state distributing agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations that are charged with the responsibility of providing USDA Foods to disaster relief organizations in the event of a disaster, emergency, or situation of distress.

With the recent passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to assist with the novel coronavirus public health emergency,  WIC received an increase in funding for the program as well as increased ability to provide states with the flexibilities they need to support mothers, infants and children that rely on WIC.

FNS Form 292A is to be used to report Commodity Distribution for Disaster Relief. 

This fact sheet is for using USDA Food during a human pandemic outbreak.

This policy memorandum consolidates requirements for the SDA when reporting the distribution of donated foods, and when requesting the replacement of such foods, in disasters, emergencies and situations of distress. 

This policy memorandum is the result of activities undertaken to plan a government-wide response to a potential human pandemic and addresses the operation of its USDA food programs during a major pandemic event. 

During a Presidentially declared disaster/emergency, or during a situation of distress declared by a state or FNS, the state may find it necessary to transport USDA Foods from one area within the state to another in support of disaster feeding efforts.  These intra-state transportation costs will be reimbursed by FNS during a Presidentially declared disaster/emergency, and reimbursed by FNS to the extent funds are available during situations of distress.  

State agencies apply for reimbursement using Form FSA-21, submitted to the appropriate FNS regional office for approval.