FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum includes questions and answers for state agencies and local program operators on flexibilities available under the child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators on the operation of the child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.

School meals are required to meet specific nutrition standards to operate the school meals programs. The standards align school meals with the latest nutrition science and the real world circumstances of America’s schools. 

This memorandum provides general guidance on the various procurement groups FNS has identified, how to use each group in a way that complies with federal procurement standards, and supersedes SP 35-2012, Procuring Services of Purchasing Cooperatives, Group Purchasing Organizations, Group Buying Organizations, etc., dated June 12, 2012.

The new standards will allow schools to offer healthier snack foods for our children, while limiting junk food served to students. Students will still be able to buy snacks that meet common-sense standards for fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, while promoting products that have whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables or protein foods as their main ingredients.

The purpose of this memorandum is to consolidate our policy regarding the participation of Head Start Programs in the child nutrition programs. For more information about the Head Start Program and Early Head Start Program.

In middle school, you have more say in deciding things for yourself. You can also help to make your school healthier. There’s a lot you can do to get more healthy food choices and more opportunities for physical activity for everyone.

There are short-term and long-term advantages to making healthier foods and regular physical activity priorities at your school.

At home you do what you can to make sure your kids eat healthier and stay active. But since they spend so much of their day in middle school, your influence is needed there, too. Parents are key to making middle schools healthier. Together we can influence.

On February 18, 2011, FNS issued child nutrition memorandum SP20 CACFP10 SFSP07-2011 addressing implementation of Section 361 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Full Use of Federal Funds.