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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 212 HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

3 Section 212 Change #3-2026 September 1, 2026 a. Be authorized by USDA to accept Food and Nutrition Services benefits; or b. Be certified by the State as a GLA; and c. The GLA must be determined to be a non-profit organization. 2. Residents can apply through the facility which will serve as an authorized representative. Eligibility must be determined as a one-person FNS unit; or 3. The resident may apply on his own behalf or select an authorized representative of his own choice. This will be determined by the GLA, based on the individual's mental and physical ability to handle his/her own affairs. The FNS unit size will be based on the number of individuals purchasing and preparing meals together. 4. The GLA may only purchase food for eligible Food and Nutrition Services recipients. If the Food and Nutrition Services recipient makes someone at the GLA his/her Authorized Representative. Refer to Section 220, Authorized Representatives. C. Residents of a Shelter for Battered Women and Children Battered Women and Children's Shelter is a public or private non-profit residential facility that serves battered women and their children. If such a facility services other individuals, a portion of the facility must be set aside on a long-term basis to serve only battered women and children. Residents of shelters may be considered as either an individual FNS unit (including their children) or a group FNS unit. To make this determination, you will need to know whether food is customarily purchased and prepared separately or in common with the group. These provisions apply to battered women and children but do not apply to battered men. These special provisions concern Food and Nutrition Services eligibility for residents of shelters for battered women and children that provide meals to their residents. 1. Prior to certifying residents of battered women’s shelter: a. Verify that the shelter meets the definition of a shelter for battered women and children. Shelters authorized by USDA to accept EBT benefits meet the definition of a battered women's shelter. b. Shelter residents may appoint an authorized representative though it is not required. See Section 220, Authorized Representatives, for more details.