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Frequently-Asked Questions


Has FNS provided notice to Congress and received the required approvals to move forward with this reorganization, as required by law?  

FNS stated the Department has provided appropriate congressional notification and is awaiting approval. Fiscal year 2026 USDA Appropriations Bill Section 716 requires both notification and bicameral approval.

How will hub selections be made? 

FNS stated there is nothing definitive on this yet, but they responded “FNS will ensure adequate space is available dependent on employees’ hub selection.”

Where are programs being relocated to?

FNS intends for all program areas to be located within the 5 hubs, however, some program areas will operate out of specific locations as outlined below:

  • State Support and Evaluations: Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Raleigh, NC

  • Retailer Operations and Compliance: Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY

  • Child Nutrition Programs Implementation and Oversight: Dallas, TX

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Implementation and Oversight: Indianapolis, IN

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Food Distribution Programs Implementation and Oversight: Kansas City, MO

  • Emergency Management and Continuity of Operations: Denver, CO

  • Research Programs: Raleigh, NC

FNS has assured NTEU that employees will be able to select which hub location they will be assigned to.

When will the reorganization occur?

The agency expects the reorganization to occur in phases over the coming year once collective bargaining responsibilities are completed. The  agency did not provide any more specific information.  

What is the benefit and cost-savings of the reorganization?

NTEU has requested the “Cost Benefit Analysis” that the agency claims it has prepared. To date, FNS has refused to provide it. The agency insists that this reorganization will work to improve services. Around 82 percent of those who responded to NTEU's survey last year disagreed that the reorganization will improve services.

Does FNS intend to require current employees to move?

FNS stated that it intends to require current employees to move to a hub location. FNS stated the reorganization would occur in phases. NTEU reminded the agency of its obligations under the travel regulations, and the agency stated that it would provide additional information. 

Will there be a sequence/order of hub selection?

FNS did not have a definitive answer, but said it would ensure adequate space based on an employee’s hub selection. 

When are employees expected to report to their new hub location? 

FNS has not provided a definitive timeline.

Will my salary change if my location changes?

Employees will receive the locality pay where the hub they choose is located.

Does the reorganization apply to remote workers?

The Agency stated that all remote employees will also be reassigned unless they have a Reasonable Accommodation that impacts the employee's ability to relocate.

What if I have a reasonable accommodation?

FNS stated that all reasonable accommodations will be revisited on an annual basis, therefore, approved accommodation(s) will be a determining factor whether the employee will be required to relocate. FNS stated that they will follow reasonable accommodations. 

What relocation costs will FNS pay for each team member who chooses to move? 

FNS acknowledged there may be costs to relocate employees but did not provide any specifics regarding this issue. NTEU will aggressively hold FNS accountable for any and all monies relocated employees are entitled to by law and will negotiate to the greatest extent of the law for any additional funds. 

What happens to impacted employees who choose not to relocate? 

FNS will likely propose to remove employees from the service who do not relocate to a hub. NTEU will represent members in replies to those proposals upon request. 

Are we guaranteed severance pay? 

As a matter of law, no, you are not guaranteed severance pay.  Early reports indicate that the agency may provide Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) or Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) for employees unable to move, but NTEU is still awaiting information on this.

What can NTEU members do to fight back?

You can click on the "Tell Congress to Oppose the Reorganization" link on this page. You can share the link with your family and friends so they too can tell Congress to Oppose this reorganization. You can ask your co-workers to stand with you by joining NTEU. You can get more involved in your local NTEU chapter.