In the March 14, 2016, Federal Register, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service ("FNS") proposed to implement Section 4018 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, which creates limitations on the use of federal funds authorized in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ("FNA") for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") promotion and outreach activities. Among other things, Section 4018 prohibits, with some exceptions, the use of federal funds from being used for recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits. Television, radio, or billboard advertisements that are designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment are also prohibited. Entities that receive funds cannot compensate any person engaged in outreach or recruitment activities based on the number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP benefits. This proposed rule would also affect the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Emergency Food Assistance Program, both of which receive funding and/or foods authorized under the FNA. Comments are due May 13, 2016.
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