Complaints
7 CFR § 271.6(a)(1)-(2)
Complaints are issues regarding processing standards and service to individuals. An EDG member, A-Rep, or other individual can make a complaint.
See Nondiscrimination for complaints regarding discrimination.
DSS provides information to individuals regarding the complaint process and how to file a complaint:
- in applications and renewal applications,
- NOAs,
- on the agency website, and
- verbally during interviews.
DSS reviews complaints to determine if the agency’s actions were correct and, if required, make changes. The EDG or A-Rep may request a fair hearing if they are not satisfied with the results of the complaint review and outcome.
Note: Follow confidentiality procedures to determine if any information can be released.
Complaint Records and Reviews
7 CFR § 271.6(a)(3)
DSS must keep records of all complaints and their disposition. Complaint records will be reviewed annually to determine if there are patterns and issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, complaints are reviewed by:
- ME,
- Regional or State Office staff, and
- FNS auditors.
Complaint review information is provided to the coordinator for the Performance Reporting System, and may be included in the State Corrective Action Plan. FNS monitors the State’s compliance through the Performance Reporting System.
Complaints to FNS
7 CFR § 271.6(b)(1)(vi) and (2)
Individuals or other agencies needing program information, or wishing to file a complaint, may contact the FNS Regional Office at:
Northeast Regional Office,
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Food and Nutrition Service,
10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1069
FNS advises the individual of the State agency complaint process and fair hearing procedures. FNS will pursue the complaint upon request by the individual.
Last Update
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Effective Date