The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP IEG ChartThe Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) was initiated in 1981 to reduce inventories and storage costs of surplus USDA foods through distribution to needy households. While some surplus food is still distributed through TEFAP, Congress (since 1989) has appropriated funds to purchase additional USDA foods for households. South Dakota uses TEFAP USDA foods in the soup kitchens and food banks.
TEFAP was not designed to serve as a primary food source. It was designed as an outlet for surplus USDA foods, and it has effectively achieved that goal.
In South Dakota, the USDA donated food for distribution is sent to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens and community action programs. These agencies are referred to as eligible recipient agencies (ERA) and must be public or private non-profit agencies that meet the program requirements.
Recipient eligibility to receive USDA foods from food pantries is determined by completion of an intake application form provided by the food pantry indicating household and financial circumstances at or below 185% poverty level, name, number in household, and address. In South Dakota a family qualifying for reduced price meals qualifies them for this program. The chart giving the household sizes and income eligibility guidelines is found by clicking the red Child and Adult Nutrition Services tab.
USDA Foods Value of Commodities Shipped / History Report
Listed Alphabetically by Agency Name
- Civil Rights Training Presentation
Please note: The sound quality of the recording is not perfect. The posted PDF Power Point slides contain the script to follow along with the video. - Non-discrimination Statement
- Civil Rights Training Log
- Complaint Form- English
- Complaint Form- Spanish
- Civil Rights Laws, Regulations, Executive Orders and related Other Guidance
- Annual Storage Facility Self-Evaluation Form
- Automatic Revocation of Exception List
- Commodity Loss Report
- Food Recall Procedure Checklist
- Individual Self-Declaration Form
- Group Self-Declaration Form
- Pest Control Plan
- Providing multiple Languages
- Spanish Income Eligibility Form
- TEFAP Policies and Procedures Manual - Coming Soon
- TEFAP Proxy Form
- TEFAP Staff/ Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement
- TEFAP Temperature Log (example)
- TEFAP USDA Foods Fact Sheets
- TEFAP USDA Policy Memos
- USDA TEFAP Website
- Written Notice and Referral Requirements for Religious Organizations
For more information, contact the SD Department of Education, Child and Adult Nutrition Services at 605-773-3413, or DOE.SchoolLunch@state.sd.us.