Assistance Listings Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
Overview
Objectives
To help supplement the diets of low-income persons by making USDA Foods available to the State agencies that are responsible for the distribution of USDA Foods within the States.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not Applicable.
Financial Information
| Obligation(s) | FY 23 | FY 24 (est.) | FY 25 (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula Grants Total | $444,780,418 | $461,500,000 | $462,500,000 |
| In FY 2023 State agencies had the opportunity to convert up to 20% of their regularly appropriated food to administrative funds, of which State agencies converted $61,922,010. State agencies also elected to convert $305,000 of administrative funding to food funding. In FY 2024 State agencies again had the opportunity to convert up to 20% of their regularly appropriated food to administrative funds, of which State agencies converted $67,074,450. State agencies also elected to convert $138,000 of administrative funding to food funding. Lastly, FY 2025 TEFAP food funds estimate is $462,500,000. | $444,780,418 | $461,500,000 | $462,500,000 |
| Totals | $444,780,418 | $461,500,000 | $462,500,000 |
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In Fiscal Year 2024, the range of awards was from $466,342 to $71,773,049 after conversions and carryover; the average award was $10,335,449.
Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2024: In FY 2024, over 381 million pounds of TEFAP USDA Foods were provided to State agencies.
Account Identification
12-3505-0-1-605
Criteria for Applying
Types of Assistance
A - Formula Grants
Credentials and Documentation
Low-income individuals receiving USDA Foods for home consumption must establish eligibility to participate in the program on the basis of State eligibility standards. All individuals seeking food assistance at sites which serve prepared meals are presumed to be eligible to receive meals. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Applicant Eligibility
Designations
StateState agencies that are designated as distributing agencies by the Governor or other appropriate State executive authority may receive and distribute USDA Foods. States can distribute these foods to eligible recipient agencies, such as food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and other eligible agencies, including faith-based organizations.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Designations
Individual/Family, Unemployed, Welfare Recipient, Low IncomeLow-income and needy individuals, including persons that are homeless, unemployed, underemployed, or receiving public assistance. The State agency must establish income-based eligibility criteria to ensure USDA Foods are provided to the needy. Persons interested in receiving TEFAP should contact their State agency (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/contacts/SdaContacts.htm) for more information on how to access the program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
USDA Foods are made available on an ongoing basis. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: letter
Use of Assistance
Designations
Food and NutritionUSDA Foods can only be used to provide food assistance to needy persons. USDA Foods may be provided for household consumption or for congregate feeding. The State agency must give priority to emergency feeding organizations such as soup kitchens, food banks, and food pantries, including faith-based organizations.
Applying for Assistance
Deadlines
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedures
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. All States are eligible to participate; the State does not need to complete an application.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not Applicable.
Award Procedure
USDA Foods are allocated among the States on the basis of a legislatively-mandated formula that takes into account each State's relative share of the national number of persons with income below the poverty level (60 percent) and of unemployed persons (40 percent).
Date Range for Approval/Disapproval
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Not Applicable. Federal/State agreements are ongoing and amended as necessary. Individuals receiving food for home consumption are recertified periodically. Persons receiving USDA Foods in the form of meals from sites which serve prepared meals are presumed to be eligible.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Compliance Requirements
Policy Requirements
Subpart B, General provisions
Subpart C, Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards
Subpart D, Post Federal; Award Requirements
Subpart E, Cost Principles
Subpart F, Audit Requirements
Not Applicable
Additional Information:
Reports
Audits
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F
Records
Normal records accounting for receipts and dispersals; retention required for 3 years following the close of the fiscal year or until any outstanding audit, claim, or litigation is settled.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR Part 251; refer to 7 CFR Part 250 for applicable provisions on USDA Foods handling.
Formula and Matching Requirements
Contact Information
Regional or Local Locations:
See Regional Assistance Locations.Headquarters Office:
History
- 2024Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 2023Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 2022Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 2021Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 2020Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 2019Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 2018Published
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 1993Title Changed
Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
- 1989Published
Temporary Emergency Food Assistance (Food Commodities)