Alleged Intervention of the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) Into Certain Food Stamp Program Activities

The Food Research Action Center (FRAC) is a private, nonprofit organization primarily funded by the Community Services Administration (CSA). It also receives financial support from churches and foundations. FRAC uses its funds to help ensure, through advocacy efforts at the national, State, and local levels, that the various Federal food programs work effectively and efficiently to meet the nutritional needs of the Nation's poor. It attempts to provide training and technical assistance to State and local groups who, in turn, assist FRAC in efforts to improve the legislation, regulation, and administration of Federal food programs. GAO reviewed the FRAC program to determine the source and use of Federal funds received by FRAC, whether these funds were commingled with non-Federal funds, and whether any of the FRAC activities which used Federal funds were contrary to the purpose for which they were provided or contrary to Federal programs authorized or mandated by law. CSA regulations place certain restrictions on the use of CSA funds for lobbying. Grant funds may not be used to pay dues or support any organization or group that devotes or contributes any of its resources from whatever source to any activity with the purpose to influence legislation or to politicize. The amount of resources devoted to such an activity is immaterial.