FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum extends the use of share tables to the CACFP’s at-risk afterschool component and provides a reminder to all child nutrition program operators of the opportunity presented by share tables to reduce food waste and the food safety requirements that must be followed when using share tables during meal service.

This memo and attachments refer to updated guidance for state agencies and school food authorities contracting with food service management companies.

This memorandum updates SP31–2014, State Agency Prior Approval Process for School Food Authority (SFA) Equipment Purchases, to include new regulation citations for the cost principles related to the purchase of equipment.

In January 2012, the “Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs,” final rule was published and required schools to serve a greater quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables and more whole grains/whole grain-rich products. To support the updated meal pattern requirements and assist school food operators with menu planning, an inter-agency agreement was established between USDA, FNS and USDA, Agricultural Research Service to conduct analytical yield studies.

On Dec. 1, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration published the final rule, Food Labeling; Calorie Labeling of Articles of Food in Vending Machines, in the Federal Register.

This memorandum shares newly developed resources intended to promote reporting efficiency. The attached “Reporting Timeline” and “Reporting Table” were developed to assist with tracking the diverse reports required to be submitted by state agencies to the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) throughout the fiscal year.

Section 206 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) amended section 12 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by adding paragraph (q) on nonprogram foods. This amendment established requirements related to the revenue from the sale of nonprogram foods. 

Recent communications between FNS and state agency program staff during procurement trainings and management evaluations conducted in fiscal year 2014-2015 indicated a need for guidance on competitive procurement standards. This page lists where to find the standards.

FNS has received many questions related to implementation of 2 CFR Part 200 and understands that changes to financial and procurement systems are costly and require time to develop and implement. Therefore, FNS will work with state agencies during this transition period and will seek to answer questions and provide guidance as needed. 

Since school year (SY) 2013 -14, state agencies have been required to conduct a review of base year certification and benefit issuance documentation for any school food authority requesting approval to participate in NSLP or SBP using Special Provisions 2 or 3.