Federal Food Program Lists Next Year’s Menu for States
Published Date: 11/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is gearing up for Fiscal Year 2027 by announcing the types of surplus and purchased foods available to help feed people in need. States will get food based on poverty and unemployment rates, then share it with local groups who prepare meals or hand out groceries. This update keeps the food flowing smoothly, making sure families get the support they need without delay.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Total TEFAP Food Value for FY2027
The Department expects approximately $360 million in surplus foods acquired in FY 2026 to be delivered to States in FY 2027, and it anticipates purchasing an estimated $481.5 million worth of foods in FY 2027 for TEFAP. Together, these amounts represent the known large-scale food resources USDA plans to make available for nutrition assistance in FY 2027.
How States Get TEFAP Food (60/40 Rule)
The notice says TEFAP foods will be allocated among States using a formula that gives 60 percent based on the number of people below the poverty level in the State and 40 percent based on the State's share of the nations unemployed persons. This allocation method applies to foods made available for donation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
Specific Foods USDA Will Provide
USDA lists the specific types of foods it expects to make available through TEFAP in FY 2027 across categories (fruits, dairy, vegetables, legumes, protein foods, grains, oils, and other). Examples include fresh apples and oranges, milk and yogurt, chicken and canned beef, rice and whole-grain pasta, and vegetable and fruit juices. Some items are noted as requiring Halal (H) or Kosher (K) certification.
State Choice: Meals or Groceries
The notice states that, at the discretion of the State, foods made available under this notice may be distributed to eligible recipient agencies for use in preparing meals and/or for distribution to households for home consumption. States have full discretion in determining amounts for meal preparation versus household distribution.
Food Availability May Change with Markets
The Department warns that food acquisitions are based on changing agricultural market conditions and that the availability of foods is subject to change, meaning some listed items may not be available or additional items may be added during FY 2027. States may therefore receive different mixes of foods over the year.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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