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Resource | Policy Q&As Related to CACFP 11-2021, SFSP 07-2021 Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification in the CACFP and SFSP – Policy Rescission – Set 2

This guidance is intended to assist state agencies and program operators of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program in meeting the longstanding federal requirement to collect race and ethnicity data of program participants.

08/28/2024
Basic page Culturally and Religiously Preferred Foods in FNS Programs

FNS works to ensure all communities in need have access to foods that support health and well-being. Our goal is to ensure program participants have access to culturally and religiously preferred foods and that program operators have resources to best serve their communities.

04/05/2024
Resource | Research and Data Equal Employment Opportunity

The Civil Rights Division ensures that FNS complies with the laws, regulations, policies and guidance that prohibit discrimination against employees and applicants in the federal workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity laws prohibit discrimination in employment to ensure fair hiring, competition in promotions and equal access to training/development opportunities.

10/31/2023
Basic page Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

State agencies, local agencies, or other recipients that fail to provide free language assistance (interpretation/translation) to potentially-eligible persons, applicants, and participants, who are limited English proficient (LEP), or deny LEP persons access to federally assisted programs and activities, may be discriminating on the basis of national origin in violation of Title VI and its implementing regulations.

08/10/2023
Resource | Forms USDA FNS Program Discrimination Complaint Form

This form may be used if you believe you have been subjected to discrimination in any USDA program or activity and you wish to file a complaint of discrimination.

02/15/2023
Basic page FNS Nondiscrimination Statements (NDS)

The USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.  

12/09/2022
Resource | Federal Register Notices Proposed Rule: SNAP-Revision of Civil Rights Data Collection Methods

FNS proposes to revise SNA regulations that cover the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data by state agencies on persons receiving benefits from SNAP. 

06/27/2022
Basic page Civil Rights - FAQs

The Civil Rights Division provides leadership and comprehensive protection against discrimination in FNS employment practices and delivery of programs to the public.

02/27/2019
Resource | Policy Memos Accommodating Disabilities in the School Meal Programs: Guidance and Q&As

This question and answer memorandum is designed to provide practical guidance related to accommodating disabilities in the school meal programs, which are the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, the Special Milk Program, and the NSLP Afterschool Snacks Program.

04/25/2017
Resource | Policy Meaningful Access for Persons with Limited English Proficiency in the School Meal Programs: Guidance and Q&As

This memorandum consolidates and supersedes previous LEP guidance and incorporates previously released USDA and FNS guidance. FNS is issuing this guidance in a Q&A format to provide responses to questions that FNS has received regarding communications with LEP individuals.

05/25/2016
Page updated: October 14, 2021