210 Right to File a Complaint

Individuals who believe they have been subject to discrimination as specified in 106 CMR 360.200 may file a written complaint with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of FNS, Washington, D.C. 20250, and/or with the Department's Director of Equal Opportunity. The worker shall explain both the FNS and Department's complaint system to each individual who expresses an interest in filing a discrimination complaint and shall advise the individual of the right to file a complaint in either or both systems. Individuals who wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, can complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. He or she may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. He or she must send the completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax at (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Individuals may also file a complaint with Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, One Ashburton Place, Sixth Floor, Room 601, Boston, MA 02108; Phone: (617) 994-6000; TTY: (617) 994-6196.