Finding 380925 (2023-001)

Finding #2023-001 – Significant Deficiency and Other Noncompliance. Applicable federal program: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Food Distribution Cluster, Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities), Assistance Listing #10.569, Passed through The Houston Food Bank, Montgomery County Food Bank, and Galveston County Food Bank, Contract Year: 10/01/22 – 09/30/23. Criteria: Eligibility – The Society is responsible for having internal control procedures over its client intake process to ensure that only eligible clients are provided with food assistance. Condition and context: In a sample of 40 clients served during the year, food assistance was provided to one client who was determined to be ineligible according to the application form. Cause: The finding occurred as a result of the inadequate communication and training regarding the importance of following eligibility guidelines for food assistance. Effect: Failure to follow eligibility guidelines could result in the distribution of federal food commodities to ineligible households. Questioned costs: Unknown. Recommendation: Communicate and emphasize adherence to contractual requirements for determining eligibility and provide training to volunteers as needed to ensure compliance. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.