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10.569 EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FOOD COMMODITIES)

FEDERAL AGENCY

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION

Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, Public Law 98-8, 97 Stat. 35, 7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.; Hunger Prevention Act of 1988, Public Law 100-435, 102 Stat. 1647; Public Law 101-624, 104 Stat. 3359; Public Law 104-193, 110 Stat. 2105; Public Law 104-127, 110 Stat. 1029; Public Law 107-171, 116 Stat. 330.

OBJECTIVES

To help supplement the diets of low-income persons by making food commodities available to States for distribution through local organizations that provide food assistance to needy persons.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE

Formula Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS

The food commodities are provided to State agencies that are responsible for administering the distribution of the commodities within the States. Commodities can only be used to provide food assistance to needy persons. Commodities may be provided for household consumption or for congregate feeding. The State agency must give priority to local organizations that provide nutrition assistance to relieve situations of emergency and distress.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicant Eligibility

State agencies that are designated as distributing agencies by the Governor, legislature or other authority may receive and distribute these donated food commodities.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Needy individuals. They may be homeless, unemployed, welfare recipients, or low-income. The State agency must establish income based eligibility criteria to ensure the commodities are provided to the needy.

Credentials/Documentation

Needy individuals receiving commodities 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.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

All States are eligible to participate, no applications necessary. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure

Food commodities 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).

Deadlines

None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Not applicable.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Federal/State agreements are ongoing and amended as necessary. Individuals receiving food for home consumption are recertified periodically. Persons receiving commodities in the form of meals from sites which serve prepared meals are presumed to be eligible.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Formula and Matching Requirements

Commodities are allocated among the States based on a legislatively-mandated formula. The allocation formula is based in part (60%) on the number of people whose income is below the poverty level and in part (40%) on the number unemployed persons. In FY 2005, $140 million will be available Nationally for donated commodities.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Reports

Inventory reports on the FCS-155.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133, "Audits of States, Local governments, and Non-profit Organizations," State and local governments, and non-profit organizations that expend Federal financial assistance of $500,000 or more within any fiscal year shall have either a single audit or (in certain cases) a program specific audit made for that year. Audits may be conducted less frequently under conditions specified in A-133.

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.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Account Identification

12-3505-0-1-605.

Obligations

(Formula Grants) FY 04 $140,000,000; FY 05 est $140,000,000; and FY 06 est $140,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

FY 04: $20,123 to $12,436,266; $1,818,182.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Provided commodities to State and local agencies for distribution to needy persons for use at home or for use at sites which serve prepared meals.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE

7 CFR 251; refer to 7 CFR 250 for applicable provisions on commodity handling.

INFORMATION CONTACTS

Regional or Local Office

See Food and Nutrition Service Regional Office contacts listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office

Food Distribution Division, FNS, USDA, Room 500, Park Office Center, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. Contact: Cathie McCullough, Director. Telephone: (703) 305-2680.

Web Site Address

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fncs/

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS

Not applicable.