What type of conference must the county offer the FNS unit requesting a hearing?

The correct answer is local. When a county is faced with a request for a hearing from the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) unit, it is required to provide a local conference. A local conference ensures that the individuals involved can participate in a more accessible and community-based setting. This arrangement facilitates communication and allows for easier attendance, as participants are likely to be more familiar with local resources and support systems.

Local conferences are also important because they can better address issues specific to the community's needs and circumstances. This level of engagement helps strengthen relationships among stakeholders and fosters an environment where local concerns can be thoroughly discussed and resolved.

The other types, such as regional, statewide, or remote, may not provide the same level of accessibility and direct engagement that a local conference does. Each of those alternatives could create barriers, whether due to travel distance, time commitments, or technological limitations, which might hinder effective communication and resolution of the issues being addressed.