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Resource | Toolkits Tools for Schools

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.

05/16/2023
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Report to Congress Multi-Agency Task Force to Provide Coordination and Direction for USDA Foods Programs, July 2018 – December 2020

The Agricultural Act of 2014 required the establishment of a Multi-Agency Task Force to provide coordination and direction for USDA Foods administered by FNS. FNS submits this report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.

04/28/2023
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Report to Congress Multi-Agency Task Force to Provide Coordination and Direction for USDA Foods Programs, January 2021 - July 2022

The Agricultural Act of 2014 required the establishment of a Multi-Agency Task Force to provide coordination and direction for USDA Foods administered by FNS. FNS submits this report covering the period of January 2021 through July 2022 to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.

04/28/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Offering Meats and Meat Alternates at School Breakfast

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. 

FNS-896
08/10/2021
Resource | Webinars/Videos Everything You Need to Know about GS1 GDSN! Accessing Nutrient, Allergen and Ingredient Information for USDA Foods in Schools

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

08/05/2021
Resource | Recipes USDA Foods in Schools Additional Resources

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

06/17/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0185 P-EBT Assistance for Children in Schools that are Closed or have Reduced Attendance

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for school children during school year 2020-21.

11/16/2020
Basic page Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables

The pilot project provides SDAs selected states additional flexibility in the procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables. SFAs in selected states, or SDAs acting on behalf of participating SFAs, are permitted to competitively solicit a USDA-approved vendor using USDA Foods NSLP entitlement funds.

04/15/2020
Resource | Toolkits Tools for Schools: Serving Whole Grain-Rich

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.

01/03/2020
Resource | Toolkits Tools for Schools: Focusing on Smart Snacks

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.

08/22/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021