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Resource | Policy Memos Clarification of Allowable Flexibilities for Child Nutrition Programs Experiencing Milk Supply Shortages

FNS is aware that schools in multiple states are experiencing milk supply chain challenges related to packaging issues. This memorandum provides state agencies with information about existing authority related to schools and other child nutrition program operators experiencing inadequate milk supply. FNS encourages state agencies to use this authority when needed to support program operators impacted by the current milk packaging challenges. 

SP 01-2024, CACFP 01-2024, SFSP 01-2024
10/26/2023
Resource | Policy Community Eligibility Provision: Implementing the New Minimum Identified Student Percentage

This guidance applies to state agencies and local educational agencies administering the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. This guidance provides information on the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision – Increasing Options for School.

SP 22-2023
09/26/2023
Resource | Policy Revised Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

This memorandum provides information on the revised Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals. USDA updated the prototype application to improve the user experience for applicants by adjusting the reading level, streamlining the application instructions, and by adding clarity to the mailing instructions to reduce the number of applications sent to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

SP16-2023
05/11/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Third Allocation of Supply Chain Assistance Funds to Alleviate Supply Chain Disruptions in the School Meal Programs

This guidance outlines an additional $471.5 million being provided by FNS to enhance local school districts’ ability to purchase foods for school meals by offering resources needed to address supply chain challenges directly to schools and school districts.

SP16-2022
09/20/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0064 Donated Food Storage, Distribution, and Product Dating

This memorandum is meant to provide clarification and guidance on policies and procedures for donated food storage and distribution as they relate to product dating.

FD-107
11/21/2017
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-2009-0050 Modifications to the list of USDA-Approved Nutrient Analysis Software

This memorandum is to inform you of a recent change to the list of USDA-approved Nutrient Standard Menu Planning and School Meals Initiative nutrient analysis software programs available to state agencies, school food authorities and local schools to meet SMI requirements.

SP34-2009
08/10/2009
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-2009-0037 Clarification of State Agency Review Requirements for Donated Foods in the NSLP

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify the responsibilities of the state administering agency and the state distributing agency with respect to ensuring compliance with requirements for donated foods in the National School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

FD-089
05/21/2009
Resource | Final Rule Final Rule: Waiver of the Requirement To Use Weighted Averages in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

This final rule makes a technical change to the regulations governing the nutrient analysis of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.

12/08/2004
Page updated: October 14, 2021