Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
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.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
State 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.
Beneficiaries
- U.S. Citizen
Low-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.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
All funding is provided via a federal/state agreement.
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).
Program details & compliance
Description
Funding is used to support the food costs in TEFAP
Mission Categories
Primary: Food and Nutrition for Individual and Families
Other categories:
Food Security
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
USDA Foods can only be used to provide food assistance to needy persons. USDA Foods may be provided for household consumption or for congregate feeding.
Required 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.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Agriculture