FNS Documents & Resources

This publication has been prepared for food manufacturers. It contains instructions on how to apply for and obtain approval of a label with a Child Nutrition (CN) statement.

As you know, in August 2000, the procurement requirements for the child nutrition programs were moved from Department regulation 7 CFR Part 3015 to 7 CFR Parts 3016 and 3019. Attached are a number of questions and answers we have received concerning how these requirements changed the procedures for procurements paid with State Administrative Expense Funds.

FD-023 policy memo accounting for donated foods in cost-reimbursable contracts between school food authorities and food service management companies

This is a follow-up to our Feb. 21, 2003, memorandum that announced the extension of the provision allowing some for-profit child care centers to participate in CACFP. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidelines on the submission of retroactive claims for reimbursement.

This memorandum describes how commodity entitlements are determined and allocated to states for meals served in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Accommodating children with special dietary needs in the School Nutrition Programs. Guidance for school food service staff.

This final rule also adds a method that allows schools to use “any reasonable approach” to plan menus.

The National School Lunch Program operates in over 94,000 schools and institutions. More than 26 million children receive meals through the program on any given day; about half of these meals are provided free of charge. The School Breakfast Program operates in approximately two-thirds of the schools and institutions that offer the NSLP, most commonly in schools that serve large numbers of economically disadvantaged children. 

The National School Lunch Act requires that schools that are participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs claim reimbursements only for lunches or breakfasts which meet the nutrition standards of the National School Lunch Act, including compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Data was collected from directors of 34 school food authorities participating in the Nutrient Standard Menu Planning demonstration during fall 1995 and winter 1996. This information was used to assess the implementation status of these sites and examine perceived strengths and weaknesses of the system.