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Resource | Notices School Meals Programs - National Average Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022)

This notice announces the annual adjustments to the national average payments, the amount of money the federal government provides states for lunches, afterschool snacks, and breakfasts served to children participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs; to the maximum reimbursement rates, the maximum per lunch rate from federal funds that a state can provide a school food authority for lunches served to children participating in the National School Lunch Program; and to the rate of reimbursement for a half-pint of milk served to non-needy children in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program for Children.

07/16/2021
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review

The Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review includes the 2019 Farm to School Census; a descriptive review of the USDA Farm to School grant program; a review of published research on farm to school since 2010; and a set of interviews with school food distributors. 

07/15/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0071 Previously Issued Questions and Answers Relating to Operation of the Child Nutrition Programs: Updated for SY 2021-22

This memorandum provides clarification on questions related to child nutrition program operations during school year 2021-22. This memorandum provides updates to Q&As previously released in calendar year 2020 and applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating the NSLP, SBP, CACFP and the NSLP seamless summer option. 

SP16 CACFP14-2021
07/14/2021
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Offering Smoothies as Part of Reimbursable School Meals

This training guide provides menu planning ideas, crediting tips, sample menus, and more to show school nutrition professionals how both scratch-made and commercially-prepared smoothies can be offered as part of a reimbursable school breakfast or lunch. 

FNS-897
06/30/2021
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Ofrecimiento de batidos como parte de las comidas escolares reembolsables

Esta guía de capacitación proporciona ideas para la planificación de menús, consejos de acreditación, ejemplos de menús y más para mostrarles a los profesionales de la nutrición escolar cómo se pueden ofrecer batidos tanto hechos en cocina escolar como preparados comercialmente como parte de un desayuno o almuerzo escolar reembolsable.

FNS-897-S
06/30/2021
Resource | Success Stories USDA Foods in Schools Photo Contest

Each year we ask child nutrition professionals to inspire other foodservice professionals and submit a picture of your most creative meal utilizing USDA Foods.  With more than 200 USDA Foods items available, we want to highlight each food group and the innovative ways in which they can be used.

06/25/2021
Resource | Infographic Set USDA Foods in Schools Infographics

USDA Foods data collected via the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS) were analyzed to conduct analyses on food purchases and spending at the national and state levels for four school years. These infographics display national data for school years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.  

06/25/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0066 Questions and Answers for Child Nutrition Program Operations in SY 2021-22

This memorandum provides Q&As related to the nationwide waivers released for school year 2021-22 and applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating, the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and the NSLP Seamless Summer Option. 

SP15 CACFP13 SFSP08-2021
06/11/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0032 Child Nutrition Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement Programs: State Agency Implementation Plan Template and Q&A Guidance

This memorandum announces the release of the state agency supplemental implementation plan templates for use in the Child Nutrition Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement Programs.

SP09 CACFP07-2021
03/15/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0021 Nationwide Waiver to Waive First Week Site Visits in the Summer Food Service Program for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 3

This waiver extends the Nationwide Waiver of First Week Site Visits in the Summer Food Service Program – EXTENSION 2 – granted on Oct. 9, 2020, that expires on June 30, 2021– through Sept. 30, 2021. This waiver extension applies to the Summer Food Service Program.

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #81
03/09/2021
Page updated: October 14, 2021