This fact sheet provides information on Good Agricultural Practices, recognized practices intended to prevent the microbial contamination of fresh produce, and how these practices apply to purchasing and growing local food products for farm to school activities.
This fact sheet outlines a number of additional resources for those seeking to directly purchase or raise food products for school nutrition programs.
"Food Safety Frequently Asked Questions: The Food Safety Modernization Act and its Impact on Farm to School Activities": This document includes common questions related to food safety when purchasing locally grown and raised food products directly from producers as well as food safety considerations for edible campus gardens.
See what fruits, vegetables, proteins, legumes, grains, dairy, soups, and traditional foods are available through FDPIR.
USDA Foods Available List for CSFP.
For the 2023-24 school year, many families will need to fill out an application to find out if they can get free or reduced price meals.
La serie de consejos para la acreditación les ofrece a los operadores del programa referencias con información útil sobre cómo acreditar los cinco componentes alimenticios en los Programas de Nutrición Infantil.
The Farm to School Census checklist has suggestions for school food authorities to prepare for the Farm to School Census.
Check out the three-part "Crediting Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs", the final three tip sheets of the "Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs" tip sheet series! Use these as a quick reference and get to know the grains requirements across all the child nutrition programs.
USDA continues to work with state child nutrition agencies to offer flexibilities in response to public health needs while still promoting nutritious meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.