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Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2015-0033 Updated Offer vs Serve Guidance for the NSLP and SBP Beginning SY2015-16

Offer versus Serve is a provision in the NSLP and School Breakfast Program that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school meals programs while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat. 

SP41-2015
07/21/2015
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0073 Farm to School and School Garden Expenses

Recently, we have received several questions about the use of funds from the nonprofit school food service account to cover expenditures related to farm to school activities and school gardens. The questions and answers below address specific scenarios that school food authorities may be dealing with when considering the allowability of such costs.

SP06-2015
11/12/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0014 New Q&As Related to the Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the NSLP

Attached are revised Questions and Answers related to the final rule entitled, Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the National School Lunch Program under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

SP26-2014
03/14/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0054 SNP Administrative Reviews: Assessing Compliance Using an Approved Menu Planning Tool

FNS recently released the new Administrative Review Guidance Manual, which includes four options that state agencies may use to assess compliance with Dietary Specifications – calories, saturated fat, and sodium – requirements. 

SP46-2013
06/14/2013
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2013-0020 Variations in Meal Requirements for Religious Reasons: Jewish Schools, Institutions and Sponsors

This instruction is intended to clarify allowable variations to child nutrition program food components in order to meet religious needs among Jewish schools, institutions and sponsors. 

783-13 Rev. 3
03/27/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0005 Quarterly Reporting Associated with School Food Authority Certification for Performance-Based Reimbursement

This memorandum provides information regarding the state agencies’ quarterly reporting requirements associated with identifying the number of school food authorities certified to receive the performance-based reimbursement for each lunch served in compliance with the new meal pattern requirements for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

SP20-2013
01/22/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2012-0056 Q&As Related to the 6 Cents Certification Tool

Attached are revised questions and answers related to the Food and Nutrition Service prototype 6 Cents Certification Tool.

SP44-2012
09/12/2012
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0048 School Garden Q&As

Recently, we have received several questions regarding the operation of a school garden. Attached are questions and answers to address this issue. As in the past, please share this information with your school food authorities.

SP32-2009
07/29/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2007-0014 Fluid Milk and Other Food Components/Menu Items in Reimbursable Lunches

It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion concerning fluid milk, and how it is offered in reimbursable lunches. Under all menu planning approaches, fluid milk is a separate food component/menu item.

SP06-2007
03/21/2007
Page updated: October 14, 2021