The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
WSDA Food Assistance (FA) manages TEFAP, receiving food and operational funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution to 19 TEFAP Lead Agencies statewide. These hunger-relief organizations have an Agreement with FA and then enter into Sub Agency Agreements with local food pantries and meal programs to provide TEFAP food to more than 300 food pantries, shelters, and meal providers in Washington. They serve hungry lower-income children, adults, elderly, and the homeless.
TEFAP foods are domestically sourced and produced. These nutritious foods include a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains, rice, and dairy. These foods may be shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen. The emphasis in the last few years has been on healthier foods which includes more low-sodium, low-fat, and fresh options.
Who can receive TEFAP food?
Lower-income families who self-declare they earn 400% or less of the Federal Poverty Level and are in need of food are eligible to receive TEFAP food from one (or more) TEFAP pantry(ries) of their choice. No one will be asked for proof of income. All information on the TEFAP intake form is self declared; no documentation is ever required to receive this food. Individuals and families visiting TEFAP meal sites are assumed eligible. The Lead Agency in your county can be found on the Access Food Near You page, and they can help you connect to TEFAP food pantries and/or meal sites in your area.
Program Funds and Food
Program funds and food come primarily from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These federal funds are re-authorized every five years through the Farm Bill, and the portion of funds Washington State receives is determined by poverty and unemployment statistics. TEFAP Lead Agencies receive program operational funds and food, and are responsible for distributing that food throughout one or more counties. Washington State purchases some foods for TEFAP with entitlement funds; these foods (referred to as entitlement foods) are selected from a menu of options and TEFAP Lead Agencies are invited to provide input in the selection process. USDA periodically offers additional foods (free of charge) to be distributed through TEFAP as well; these are referred to as bonus products.
How are participating providers determined?
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) holds agreements with Lead Agencies, which are responsible for program operations at the county level. A TEFAP Lead Agency may be responsible for one or more counties. The amount of food and funding a TEFAP Lead Agency receives 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 there is access to the program throughout the county(ies) they are responsible for serving.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.