We published updates to the stocking standards required for most retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits. Starting on Nov. 4, 2026, all retailers other than specialty stores (e.g., butchers, farm stands) will be required to comply with these standards or risk losing your ability to redeem SNAP.
In this letter, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service urges state agencies to strengthen program integrity in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by implementing robust oversight, training, and monitoring measures to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
In this program guidance, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, strongly encourages child nutrition program operators to familiarize themselves with the key recommendations and consider how the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 can be incorporated into program meals and snacks to promote healthy outcomes and healthy families.
We are requesting states agencies provide notification of intent to close their FY 2025 SNAP-Ed grant and return unexpended grant funding. State agencies who do not wish to terminate their remaining FY 2025 SNAP-Ed funds must submit a state plan by Aug. 15, 2025, or no later than Aug. 31, 2025, if an extension is requested and approved. This should include an intent to expend funds by Sept. 30, 2026.
As a reminder, meals and snacks offered through the child nutrition programs may be claimed for federal reimbursement if they meet the federal nutrition requirements and other federal regulations. State agencies may not withhold federal reimbursement for meals that meet the federal requirements, even if additional state requirements are not met. However, if a state provides an additional reimbursement above the federal reimbursement, they may withhold the state reimbursement.
This memo provides state agencies with guidance on allowable use of advanced automation technologies.
This memorandum clarifies that telephonic and virtual fair hearings and administrative disqualification hearings are allowed, reminds state agencies of related requirements, and recommends various best practices when conducting telephonic or virtual hearings. This memo rescinds and supersedes previous telephonic hearing guidance provided in FNS policy memos 82-14 and 83-05.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a letter today encouraging all governors to invest in SNAP EBT cards with chip technology for their states.
FNS is pleased to announce that the X9 Committee ratified and published revised EBT standards in August 2024. Finalizing these standards is a significant step towards modernizing SNAP EBT technology and combating benefit theft. These technical standards provide the opportunity for states to implement EBT cards with chip technology.
The guidance document provides policy guidance for states regarding the operation of the SNAP Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, referred to as SNAP-Ed.