7000 Inquiries/Appeals

Programs which provide services and/or benefits to needy persons are always subject to inquires and concerns from government officials, the media, and the general public. Some inquiries and concerns are in regard to information that is open to the public while other information must be kept confidential. This section outlines the appropriate procedures for the handling of various inquiries and concerns.

7100 Release Of Information

Certain information regarding TEFAP may be released as public information while other information must be kept confidential. The release of information must be in accordance with the following:

7101 General Information - General program information is a public matter and may be released to any interested parties. General information includes:

1. Product information regarding the quantity, variety and pack sizes available through TEFAP.
   
   
2. Eligibility standards, including any general eligibility information such as the income standards, the application requirements and other eligibility criteria.
   
   
3. Distribution guidelines as listed in the state plan or as reduced to meet the distribution area needs.
   
   
4. Implementation procedures, including application, determination, and distribution activities.
   
   
5. Participation statistics which may include the amount and variety of products distributed and the total number of households and persons served.
   
   
6. The name and location of all distribution area offices and TEFAP participating organizations.
   
   

7102 Applicant/Recipient Information - Information concerning applicants or recipients (past and present) is confidential and may NOT be disclosed except as follows:

1. In situations in which SRS or USDA requests specific names, addresses, or other applicant/recipient information for the administration of TEFAP or other SRS programs.
   
   
2. When specific names, addresses or other applicant/ recipient information is needed by another TEFAP participating organization in order to administer TEFAP. Sharing information may be necessary in order to avoid or terminate the duplication of services to recipients. Applicant/recipient information sharing may also be necessary in order to coordinate certification and distribution procedures.
   
   
3. Applicant/Recipient information may only otherwise be released as specified by Kansas Law KSA 39-709b. See Section 8000, Exhibit D, for details.