Finding Text
USDA Food Distribution and Authorized Signers Condition: During our audit, it was identified that the Organization did not consistently obtain signatures from "approved shoppers" for USDA food products. Additionally, in at least one instance, the individual signing for a USDA distribution was not listed as an authorized signer. These issues indicate a lack of adherence to required procedures for verifying and documenting authorized individuals who pick up USDA food products. Criteria: The Organization is required to maintain an "approved shopper" list for each partner agency, specifying who is authorized to pick up USDA food products. Furthermore, the Organization must ensure that those signing for deliveries are included on the approved list and that their signatures are properly obtained and cross-referenced. Cause: Staff turnover within the Organization led to lapses in following established procedures, resulting in missed steps such as obtaining and verifying signatures against the approved shopper list. Effect: As a result of these lapses, signatures were not consistently collected or compared to the approved shopper list, increasing the risk that unauthorized individuals may have received USDA food products and that proper records of distribution were not maintained. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization provide comprehensive training to all relevant staff on the correct procedures for obtaining and cross-referencing signatures for USDA food product distribution. This will help ensure compliance with requirements and improve the integrity of the distribution process. Views of Responsible Officials: See attached response. See