An individual who was convicted of a felony involving controlled substances on or after _____ is permanently disqualified from FNS benefits.

The correct answer is the date August 23, 1996, because this is the date established by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which made significant changes to the eligibility requirements for the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. Under this law, individuals convicted of felonies involving controlled substances on or after this date are permanently disqualified from receiving FNS benefits. This legislation was enacted to address concerns regarding the misuse of benefits by individuals with such convictions and aimed to promote the responsible use of public assistance programs.

Understanding this date is crucial for stakeholders and applicants in the FNS program, as it delineates a clear boundary regarding disqualification based on felony convictions related to controlled substances. The other dates provided do not correspond with the federal regulations, which clearly specify August 23, 1996, as the cut-off date for eligibility in these cases.