Connecticut Foodshare, Inc.Non-Profit

2021-01 Eligibility Program The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Assistance Listing Number 10.569 Pass-Through Agency Connecticut Department of Social Services Criteria TEFAP products were distributed at large-scale drive through distributions without utilizing the required self- attestation form and without completing the TEFAP participation log. Due to a lack of understanding of DSS protocols during the pandemic, Connecticut Foodshare, Inc. did not have controls in place to obtain the required documentation. Condition Due to inadequate controls, 1,265,111 pounds of food with a value of $791,397 was distributed without attestation to the TEFAP income guidelines as required in the Code of Federal Regulation, 7 CFR 251.5 (a)(1). Cause The cause was a misunderstanding of the documentation requirements during a pandemic. Effect Connecticut Foodshare, Inc. must repay the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services for the total value of the USDA food that was improperly distributed in the amount of $791,397. As of the date of this report, Connecticut Foodshare, Inc. is appealing the ruling. Questioned Costs Questioned costs equate to $791,397 based upon improper distribution of 1,265,111 pounds of food. Perspective For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, Connecticut Foodshare, Inc. distributed 13,963,113 pounds of TEFAP commodities with a total value of $24,954,538. Recommendation While management ceased distributing TEFAP product at large scale drive through distributions immediately after the issue was identified, we recommend that additional controls be developed and implemented to ensure that improper distributions do not occur going forward. Views of Responsible Officials Management concurs with this finding.