Emergency Food Assistance Program EFAP 101

What is EFAP???

Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal and state funded food program which distributes USDA commodities to nonprofit and government agencies. These agencies in turn distribute commodities to qualified individuals/families free of charge. Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal and state funded food program which distributes USDA commodities to nonprofit and government agencies. These agencies in turn distribute commodities to qualified individuals/families free of charge.

EFAP Agreement Participating EFAP agencies must have a current EFAP agreement on file with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. The agreement states the EFAP policies that must be kept in order to remain a participating agency. Participating EFAP agencies must have a current EFAP agreement on file with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. The agreement states the EFAP policies that must be kept in order to remain a participating agency.

EFAP Policies  Clients should never be asked to donate money or time in exchange for EFAP commodities.  The only requirement for a client to receive EFAP commodities is to self-certify using the income guidelines.  All clients must sign the EFAP sign-in sheet.  Agencies that ask clients to complete an application or intake interview in order to receive food must advise clients it is not a requirement in order to receive EFAP commodities only.  Agencies cannot conduct political or religious activities in conjunction with the food distribution.  Agencies cannot redistribute commodities to other locations.  Agencies must notify LARF before making any changes to the distribution program. A new EFAP agreement will need to be completed with the new changes.  Agencies must distribute according to published days/times listed on EFAP agreement.

Signs

Signs need to be posted during EFAP distributions

Sign-in Sheets & Income Guidelines

Income Guidelines & Sign-In Sheet

Sign-In Sheet Rules  Income Guidelines must be displayed by sign- in sheets so that clients may self-certify.  A new sign-in sheet must be used for each day that EFAP commodities are distributed.  The heading on the sign-in sheet must be completely filled out before distribution begins.

Monthly Reports

EFAP Monthly Reports Reports are due the 5 th business day of the month. Failure to submit reports on time will place your account on hold until received.

EFAP Training  EFAP training is available at the Foodbank on a regular basis. Registration is required.  Two people from each EFAP participating agency must be trained in EFAP policies and reports.

EFAP Files  EFAP monthly reports, Foodbank invoices and EFAP sign-in sheets must be kept at the EFAP distribution site.  Files must be kept for fours years.

Storage Requirements

Storage Area Requirements  Clean  Free from infestation  Commodities must be stored at suggested holding temperatures 70° 70°  Commodities must be stored 6 inches off the floor 6 inches off the floor 3 inches away from the wall 3 inches away from the wall  Storage area needs to be locked  Re-packaging any product is NOT ALLOWED