The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a U.S. government program that provides food at no cost to low-income Americans in need of short-term hunger relief.
TEFAP is administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Through TEFAP, the USDA distributes commodity food products, such as dried beans, juice, grains, ready-to-eat cereals, and canned vegetables, fruits, and meats (commodities) to states and Indian tribal governments. TEFAP also provides storage and distribution grants as part of its effort. The volume of food and amount of grants is based on the size a recipient state’s (or Indian tribe’s) low-income and unemployed population.
In turn, state and Indian tribal government agencies distribute TEFAP-provided commodities to qualifying emergency food organizations (EFOs), such as food banks, church pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and Community Action Agencies. These local organizations distribute food directly to those in need or use it to prepare meals. In most cases, EFOs combine TEFAP food with privately donated food. This practice extends the impact of TEFAP beyond the budgeted amount of the program.
Each state and Indian tribal government sets the eligibility requirements for receiving TEFAP program support. Generally, individuals and families qualify at 100 to 155 percent of the federal poverty threshold. TEFAP is designed to serve many vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, working families, and the homeless.
In addition to providing wholesome food to hungry people, through commodity purchasing, TEFAP provides income to farmers and ranchers, the heart of rural economies. The Secretary of Agriculture can also approve “bonus” commodity purchases to further boost farm income and stabilize market prices for at-risk commodities.
The Private and Public Sectors Working Together
The majority of food distributed through Feeding America’s system is provided by the private sector, but private donations are not always reliable and consistent sources of food. TEFAP is necessary to ensure a steady supply of nutritional food for people in need. In 2007, more than 60 food products were available, including canned fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, meat, poultry, fish, dried egg mix, and peanut butter. Food banks report that TEFAP commodities are often the most nutritious food they distribute to hungry Americans.
Unfortunately, discretionary distribution of bonus commodity purchases has decreased significantly in recent years. This decline has created a major challenge for emergency food providers, who have seen increased demand for emergency food just as TEFAP distributions have declined.
More Resources
For more information about TEFAP and its role in the nation’s food assistance safety net, please contact Eleanor Thompson, Feeding America’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, at (312) 641-6706.