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Resource | Policy Questions and Answers Concerning the Implementation of Regulatory Changes to Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs)

This memorandum covers questions related to provisions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances rule and the implementation process. FNS plans to publish additional question and answer guidance in the following months.

12/20/2024
Resource | Research and Data Characteristics of Emergency Shelters Participating in the CACFP

This report describes the first national study of emergency shelters participating in CACFP. The objective of this study was to gain a general understanding of the characteristics of CACFP emergency shelters, who they serve, how CACFP fits into their operations, and their challenges with CACFP.

12/19/2024
Resource | Policy FNS - SSA Joint Letter

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have news to share! SSA recently made changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, making it stronger and simpler for more than a quarter of a million older adults and people with disabilities. These changes could potentially increase SSI payments and allow more people to become eligible for the program.

12/10/2024
Resource | Research and Data School Food Authority Survey III on Supply Chain Disruption and Student Participation

The third annual survey of School Food Authorities found that 95 percent of SFAs faced supply-chain related challenges in school year (SY) 2023-24, but that the number of reported challenges and impacts they have on school food service have largely declined compared to SY 2022-23. This report is the third in the series and, like the others, reports findings from a 20-minute online questionnaire sent to all SFAs operating child nutrition programs in schools to gather information on the impacts of continued supply chain challenges

12/10/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP - Implementation of Regulatory Changes to Standard Utility Allowances

The final rule, SNAP: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances, was published in the Federal Register on Nov.18, 2024. This final rule amends SNAP regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. The rule also finalizes updates to the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. This memo provides a summary of the final rule provisions.

12/03/2024
Resource | Policy Proposed Rule - SNAP: Thrifty Food Plan Cost Adjustment for the Price of Food in Hawaii

This proposed rule would update the method for calculating the Thrifty Food Plan cost adjustment for Hawaii to incorporate food prices from throughout the state of Hawaii rather than from Honolulu alone.

12/03/2024
Resource | Research and Data Characteristics of Adult Day Care Centers that Participate in CACFP

Adult day care centers have been eligible to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) since 1987. The objective of this study is to better understand key characteristics of adult day care centers participating in CACFP.

12/03/2024
Resource | Policy Final Rule - SNAP: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances

This final rule amends SNAP regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. The rule also finalizes updates to the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. 

11/18/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance SNAP EBT Chip and Tap Cards are Coming Soon

Retailer notice that SNAP EBT chip and tap cards will be rolling out soon in various states. As states plan to add chip and tap functionality to SNAP EBT cards, it is imperative that retailer point of sale devices be updated to successfully read these cards to ensure SNAP cardholders can redeem their SNAP benefits at their store.

11/15/2024
Resource | Policy Letter to Governors - SNAP EBT Chip Cards

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a letter today encouraging all governors to invest in SNAP EBT cards with chip technology for their states.

11/15/2024
Page updated: October 14, 2021