Food Assistance in Disaster and Distress Situations

This final rule amends the provisions of the Food Distribution Program Regulations and Policies that relate to food assistance provided in response to Presidentially declared disasters and in situations of distress. The amendments contained in this rule address the simultaneous issuance of commodities and disaster food stamp benefits in a disaster, distribution of commodities to households in situations of distress, authorization for providing commodity assistance, reporting requirements, and the replacement of commodities. In addition, revised definitions are included which encompass the definitions contained in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. These revisions will help ensure that commodity assistance is made available to victims of disasters and to those in situations of distress in the most efficient and effective manner possible while maintaining the integrity of the program.