FNS Documents & Resources

This rulemaking finalizes long-term school nutrition requirements based on the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, robust stakeholder input, and lessons learned from prior rulemakings.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is extending for 120 days the public comment period on the interim final rule, “Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs.” 

This memorandum provides the 2024 Summer EBT benefit levels for all states and Indian Tribal Organizations operating the program, including the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories.

USDA’s goal across all summer nutrition programs is simple: Connect children with nutritious food during the summer months to help them grow and thrive. The interim final rule published this week is an important step forward in increasing access to these services

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 authorized a permanent, nationwide Summer EBT Program beginning in 2024. This memorandum provides information to assist Indian Tribal Organizations in preparing to implement Summer EBT.

The Operational Challenges in Child Nutrition Programs surveys, are designed to collect timely data on emerging school food service operational challenges, including but not limited to supply chain disruptions, food costs, and labor shortages, and/or related issues.

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. 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 authorized a permanent, nationwide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program beginning in 2024. This memorandum: (1) provides information to assist states, ITOs, and territories in preparing to implement Summer EBT in 2024; (2) applies to states, ITOs, and territories that elect to administer the Summer EBT Program and administering agencies therein; and (3) relates to requirements under section 13A of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.  

This final rule amends the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) regulations by lowering the minimum identified student percentage (ISP) from 40 percent to 25 percent. 

The purpose of this voluntary recognition initiative is to encourage Summer Meal Programs' sponsors to offer higher quality, nutritious meals that make a positive impact on children's healthy development.