USDA and FNS Programs Nondiscrimination Statements

DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION AND (DR) 4300-3 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION POLICY

Departmental Regulation (DR) 4300-3, Public Notification Policy, dated November 16, 1999 establishes the policy for ensuring positive and continued notification of the USDA equal opportunity policy to the public. DR 4300-3 provides for three nondiscrimination statements. These statements govern:

1) Federally-Conducted Programs; 
2) Food Stamp Program Recipient Agencies; and 
3) Special Nutrition Programs and Other Recipient Agencies.

(1) Federally-Conducted Programs

The first nondiscrimination statement governs all USDA Offices (Federally-Conducted programs).

Federally-Conducted Programs Defined: Solitary (one time) or continuing decisions, efforts, procedures, and practices of a USDA agency, corporation, committees, or other instrumentality for the purpose of, that result in, or that otherwise contribute to the availability or delivery of services, benefits, or resources for the use, enjoyment or consumption by a member or members of the public. Examples of Federally-conducted programs include Regional Office Assisted Programs (ROAP), meetings, training, teleconferences, etc.

The following nondiscrimination statement is to be posted in all USDA offices and included, in full, on all materials produced by USDA and its agencies for public information, public education, or public distribution, except when the appropriate nondiscrimination statement applicable to recipients is distributed by USDA agencies or posted by recipients. This statement specifically lists all the prohibited bases for discrimination in the USDA Civil Rights Policy Statement.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

(2) Federally-Assisted Programs and Activities Defined

Includes but is not limited to money paid, rental or use of Federal property at below market value; gift of Federal property; asset forfeiture funds; Federal training; loan of Federal personal; subsides and other arrangements with the intent of providing assistance. Federal financial assistance does not include contact or guarantee or insurance, regulated programs, licensees, procurement contracts at market value, or programs that provide direct benefits.

Food Stamp Program Recipient Agencies

The second discrimination statement governs Food Stamp Recipient Agencies.

"Food Stamp Program Recipient Agencies" shall post the following nondiscrimination statement containing only those bases referred to in the applicable Federal law. This statement shall be posted in all Food Stamp Program recipient offices and included, in full, on all materials regarding such recipients' programs that are produced by the recipients for public information, public education, or public distribution.

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

(3) Special Nutrition Programs and Other Recipient Agencies

The third nondiscrimination statement governs Special Nutrition Programs and Other Recipient Agencies.

"Special Nutrition Programs and Other Recipient Agencies" (with the exception of Food Stamp Program recipients) shall post the following nondiscrimination statement and include it, in full, on all materials regarding such recipients' programs that are produced by the recipients for public information, public education, or public distribution.

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Back to the Top
Return to Civil Rights Home Page