What activities does TEFAP include?
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) manages TEFAP, receiving food and operational funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution to 19 Lead Agencies statewide. These Lead Agencies provide food to over 500 food banks, food pantries, shelters, and meal providers in Washington. They serve hungry lower-income children, adults, elderly, and the homeless.
TEFAP foods include a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains, rice, and dairy. While most food comes in shelf-stable form, fresh and frozen commodities are also found in TEFAP distributions. The emphasis in the last few years has been on healthier foods which includes more low-sodium, low-fat, and fresh options.
TEFAP foods include a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains, rice, and dairy. While most food comes in shelf-stable form, fresh and frozen commodities are also found in TEFAP distributions. The emphasis in the last few years has been on healthier foods which includes more low-sodium, low-fat, and fresh options.
How does WSDA contract out TEFAP operations?
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) contracts with Lead Agencies which are responsible for program operations at the county level. A Lead Agency may be responsible for one or more counties. The amount of the contract award is determined by the federal budget and allocated based on county poverty statistics. Each Lead Agency determines which eligible local providers participate in order to ensure full service area coverage.
How is TEFAP funded?
Federal funds and food are received from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and re-authorized every five years through the Farm Bill. Washington State's fair share is determined by poverty and unemployment statistics. The majority of the funds are passed through to Lead Agencies. The food received is either entitlement or bonus. Bonus product does not count against our entitlement and is typically referred to as "free" food. There is also a small amount of state funds used to meet the minimum matching requirements for the state to receive federal TEFAP funding and food.
What providers are eligible to participate?
Eligible providers, typically food pantries and emergency meal providers, apply directly to their Lead Agency for consideration to participate in the program. At a minimum:
- Providers must be a registered 501(c)(3) or have submitted an application to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requesting tax-exempt status.
- Providers must agree to abide by all applicable federal and state requirements, program policies and procedures, including but not limited to: submit required reports, including monthly inventory, practice nondiscrimination in providing services, and not require participation in religious ceremonies or charge fees for services.