FNS Documents & Resources

Comparison of Previous and Current Regulatory Requirements under Final Rule “Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs” (published Jan. 26, 2012)

Presentation. Certification of Compliance with New Meal Pattern Requirements

This memorandum explains the grains requirements for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program and specifically addresses implementation of the ounce equivalencies and definition of whole grain-rich products.

This provision requires state agencies to certify whether participating SFAs are in compliance with meal requirements and, therefore, eligible to receive performance-based cash assistance for each reimbursable lunch served (an additional six cents per lunch, adjusted annually, available beginning Oct. 1, 2012).

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.

FNS published the subject interim regulation, and established the effective date as Dec. 15, 1999, because the customary effective date for regulations is 30 days after publication and given the health and reimbursement implications, we wished to implement the regulation as soon as possible.

This Instruction sets forth the criteria to be used to determine acceptable grains/breads, the criteria to be used to determine equivalent minimum serving sizes, and examples of foods that qualify as grains/breads for meals served under the food-based menu planning alternatives in all child nutrition programs