United States Department of Agriculture

Food and Nutrition Service

Southeast Region

 

Policy Memorandum 250.13-05:  Charges to Recipients for Commodities or Meals

 

This memorandum is a restatement of policy previously issued as Food Distribution Policy Memoranda 82-16 on June 4, 1982, and 94-3 on November 8, 1994.  Any changes made to the original texts are in bold.

 

State agencies and recipient agencies (RAs) should be aware that, under no circumstances shall recipients be required to make payments in money, materials, or services for, or in connection with, the receipt of donated food.  In addition, recipients shall not  be solicited in connection with the receipt of donated foods for voluntary contributions for any purpose.  Requests for donations or work in exchange for donated food is also prohibited.  This applies to all recipients of Federally donated foods, whether such foods are received in ongoing food distribution programs, special food distribution programs, or in situations of distress and disaster.

 

Categorically, the only program which may solicit voluntary donations from recipients are meal providers to Nutrition Programs for the Elderly.  No other RA may solicit or demand payment for commodities or meals from eligible recipients of food distribution programs.

 

If any RAs charge fees (such as fees for transportation, shelter, classes, social activities, recreational facilities, etc.), those RAs must ensure in writing, either by a posted sign on the wall or by handout during distribution or meal services, that any money solicited or charged is not for the U.S. Department of Agriculture commodities received.  This notification to recipients should be made a condition of eligibility in RA contracts for their future participation.