Cherokee Nation
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- Website: Summer EBT Program
- Hotline: 539-234-3265 or 800-256-0671 ext. 5275
- Email: wicsebtc@cherokee.org
DATE: | October 21, 2009 |
POLICY MEMO: | FD-097: Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), The Food and Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the" Nutrition Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
SUBJECT: | Allowability of Participant Payments and Contributions for Foods Donated by the United States Department of Agriculture Alexandria (USDA) and/or Non-USDA Sources |
This memorandum clarifies FNS regulations and policies regarding the allowability of requiring payment and soliciting contributions (i.e., "payments" or "pay") in exchange for foods from FNS program participants.
Per 7 CFR250.15(a)(3), entities that administer CSFP, FDPIR, and/or TEFAP are prohibited from requiring or soliciting payments from program participants for USDA-donated foods. Specifically, 7 CFR 250.15(a)(3) indicates that "under no circumstances shall recipients be required to make any payments in money, materials, or services for or in connection with the receipt of [USDA] donated foods, nor shall voluntary contributions be solicited...."
USDA does not prohibit entities from requiring or soliciting payments for non-USDA foods or other services. However, policies and procedures must be in place to ensure that:
In cases where an entity requires or solicits payments from individuals for non-USDA foods or other services, and assesses such payments against SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, policies and procedures must be in place to ensure that:
Cathie McCullough Director Food Distribution Division |
Jeff Cohen Director Benefit Redemption Distribution |
The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.