Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the codification of the general and permanent regulations promulgated by the executive departments and agencies of the U.S. federal government. The CFR contains the governing policy for The Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Distribution Site: A location where the eligible recipient agency actually distributes USDA Foods to needy persons for household consumption or serves prepared meals to needy persons.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. In Illinois, IDHS administers TEFAP and partners with eight regional food banks to provide access to USDA foods.
Eligible Recipient Agency (ERA): An organization which is public or private that provides food assistance exclusively to needy persons for household consumption or predominantly to needy persons in the form of prepared meals and which has entered into an agreement with the State of Illinois to receive USDA Foods or administrative funds. (Full definition of ERA at: 7 CFR 251.3(d))
Food Bank: A not-for-profit public or charitable institution or organization that maintains an established operation involving the provision of food or edible USDA Foods, or the products of food or edible USDA Foods, to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, or other food or feeding centers that, as an integral part of their normal activities, provide meals or food to feed needy persons on a regular basis.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS): Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for the nationwide administration of numerous federal nutrition programs, including TEFAP.
Food Pantry: A public or private nonprofit organization that distributes food to low-income and unemployed households, including food from sources other than USDA, to relieve situations of emergency and distress.
Fiscal Year: A twelve-month period used for accounting and reporting purposes.
- The Federal Fiscal Year (FFY): From October 1st to September 30th.
- The State Fiscal Year (SFY): From July 1st to June 30th.
Shelter: A facility that provides temporary residence and at least one meal a day to unhoused people for a period not to exceed 24 months.
Household: A single individual living alone or a group of related or non-related individuals living as one economic unit who purchase and prepare meals together. Multiple individuals that live under one roof are not considered a household if they do not purchase and prepare meals together.
Hungry Relief Tax Check-Off Program: Hunger Relief works to supplement the food distributed through the Emergency Food Program (TEFAP) and supports the Department's mission to provide an emergency response to hunger and to increase food security for low-income households and individuals residing in Illinois. Funding is made available through a designated fund in the State Treasury which allows Illinois residents to make voluntary contributions to the fund while filing their state income taxes. Funding for this program is limited and may not be available on an annual basis.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS): The state of Illinois agency that administers TEFAP for all contracted food banks and distribution sites.
IL TEFAP: The State of Illinois unit that is responsible for the administration of federal TEFAP regulations, policies, and guidelines within the State of Illinois.
Soup Kitchen: A public or charitable institution that, as an integral part of the normal activities of the institution, maintains an established feeding operation to provide food to unhoused and/or persons in need on a regular basis.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Federal funds awarded to purchase nutritional food items in bulk for distribution to food pantries who, in turn, distribute those food items to TANF- eligible households with at least one dependent member 18 years of age or younger.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Cabinet level agency responsible for federal aspects of The Emergency Food Assistance Program as well as all other federal agriculture and nutrition programs.
Additional terms/definitions relating to TEFAP can be found at 7 CFR 250.2 and 7 CFR 251.3.
