The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Nondiscrimination Statement is a formal policy that ensures equal access to USDA programs and activities without discrimination. It is a key part of USDA’s commitment to civil rights and applies to all of its programs, including nutrition assistance initiatives like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Here’s what is typically included in the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:
Key Elements of the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:
- Prohibition of Discrimination: The statement outlines that the USDA does not discriminate against any individual or group based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, religion, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
- Equal Access to Programs: It ensures that all eligible individuals, regardless of these protected categories, can access USDA programs and services.
- Complaint Filing: The Nondiscrimination Statement provides information on how individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in USDA programs can file a complaint. This includes providing contact information and the process for submitting complaints through various methods (mail, fax, or email).
- Language Accessibility: The USDA offers free language assistance to individuals who need it, ensuring that people with limited English proficiency can access its programs. This might include translation services or the provision of documents in different languages.
- Disability Accommodations: The USDA commits to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to program benefits and services for people with physical or mental impairments.
Applications in USDA Programs:
- Child Nutrition Programs: Schools and institutions participating in programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and CACFP must prominently display the Nondiscrimination Statement in public-facing materials (such as menus, websites, or brochures).
- WIC Clinics: WIC offices are required to post the Nondiscrimination Statement and provide information to participants on how to file complaints if they experience discrimination.
- Food Distribution Programs: Participants in programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are also covered by this policy.
By including the Nondiscrimination Statement in all relevant materials and making it accessible, the USDA helps to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in all its nutrition and food assistance programs.