Summary

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) requested a decision regarding the use of appropriated funds to purchase refreshments for nongovernment participants at Kid's Fishing Day. Specifically, USDA asked whether Kid's Fishing Day qualifies as a "cultural awareness program" and, if so, whether it may certify the use of Forest Service appropriations to provide hot dogs and lemonade to participants.

GAO found that Kid's Fishing Day does not meet the requirements to be a cultural awareness program. Further, GAO found that the Forest Service may not use the appropriated funds to provide lunch, because the appropriation limits the use of funds to a sampling of food from the featured culture, not an entire meal.