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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 | 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 | Technical Assistance & Guidance Updated Offer versus Serve Guidance for the NSLP and SBP in SY 2013-14

This guidance replaces the 2004 edition of the Offer versus Serve in the School Nutrition Programs Resource Guide. In addition, please note that this guidance will be revised for School Year 2014-15 and beyond to reflect newly implemented meal pattern requirements as they are phased in.

01/01/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0064 Verification and Reporting of Foster Children

This memorandum is to provide guidance on the verification process and reporting for categorically eligible foster children

SP02-2012
10/24/2011
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2010-0016 Categorical Eligibility: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

This is a reminder of the statutory and regulatory requirements for categorical eligibility for the Child Nutrition Programs based on receipt of benefits from each state’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act restricts categorical eligibility to those TANF programs with standards that are comparable to or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995.

SP22 CACFP10 SFSP08-2010
04/19/2010
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0054 Extending Categorical Eligibility to Additional Children in a Household

This memorandum modifies the policy related to categorical eligibility for free meals or free milk for children who are members of a household receiving assistance under SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program.

SP38 CACFP08 SFSP07-2009
08/27/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2007-0029 Documentation of Tier I Eligibility Determinations in the CACFP

The purpose of this memorandum is to highlight some of the results of that study, and to re-issue guidance concerning what constitutes acceptable documentation of tier I eligibility for family day care homes.

CACFP 08-2007
06/15/2007
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
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2006-0044 Clarification of Direct Verification

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify state agency procedures for direct verification, especially concerning the use of Medicaid data.

SP32-2006
08/31/2006
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2006-0021 Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Determinations Reauthorization 2004

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the impact of these modifications on the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

CACFP 10-2006
03/30/2006
Page updated: October 14, 2021