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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES MANUAL GENERAL PROCEDURES & REQUIREMENTS FNS 120 COMPLAINTS AND FAIR HEARING PROCESS
2 Change #1-2021 May 1, 2021 States Department of Agriculture. The county department explains the complaint system to each individual who expresses an interest in filing a discrimination complaint and advises the individual of the right to file a complaint. Persons who believe they have been subject to discrimination may file a written complaint with USDA at the following address: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (TTY)
B. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 days from the alleged discrimination. However, the USDA Secretary of FNS may extend the time of filing.
C. In the event an individual verbally alleges that a discriminatory act has been committed but the individual is unable or is reluctant to put the allegations in writing, the USDA employee receiving the complaint will do so. The following information is requested during the complaint process.
1. Name, address, and telephone number or other means of contacting the person alleging discrimination.
2. Location and name of the organization or office which is accused of discriminatory practices.
3. The nature of the incident, action, or the aspect of program administration that led the person to allege discrimination.
4. The reason for the alleged discrimination (race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or political belief).
5. Names, titles (if appropriate), and addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory act.
6. The date(s) on which the discriminatory actions occurred.
D. Complaints are accepted by the USDA, even if the information specified in 120.03 C. is not complete. However, investigations are conducted only if the information concerning C. 2., 3., and 4. is provided. The USDA determines the action to be taken on individual complaints in accordance with current laws and regulations.