FNS Documents & Resources

Tools for Schools offers topic-specific policy and resource materials to assist schools in meeting the new nutrition standards. Refer to the latest regulations, find free nutrition education curricula, or get ideas for adding tasty, kid-friendly foods to enhance your school meals program.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will discontinue the requirement for vendors to use high security seals to secure USDA Foods deliveries as of July 1, 2023. 

This training guide provides menu planning ideas, crediting information, sample menus, and more, to show school nutrition professionals how to offer meats and meat alternates at school breakfast. 

This webinar is intended for states and school districts that serve direct delivered USDA Foods for child nutrition programs.

This memorandum provides clarification on the value pass through methods available under 7 CFR 250.36 and on the timing of processor inventory reductions of USDA Foods under each system.

A compilation of resources for operators of USDA Foods in Schools and child nutrition programs.  

This webinar provides best practices to help you manage USDA Foods in Schools for school year 2021-22. 

This webinar provides guidance on flexibilities available to help you manage USDA Foods in Schools during these unprecedented times due to COVID-19. Topics include information on USDA Foods direct delivered products, USDA Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the National Processing Program. We cover some actions you can take to assist with utilization of USDA Foods inventories and minimize food loss. This webinar is intended for state distributing agency and FNS regional office staff who manage USDA Foods in Schools programs.

School meals are giving kids the goodness of whole grains. Whole grains give kids B vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help them feel full longer so they stay alert to concentrate at school. Beginning SY 2019-2020, half of the weekly grains offered must be whole grain-rich and the remaining grain items must be enriched.

A number of tools and resources are available to help schools identify food items that meet Smart Snacks criteria. See the resources below for information about the Smart Snacks requirement, helpful tools, and ways to encourage children to make healthier snack choices that give them the nutrition they need to grow and learn.