FNS Documents & Resources

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. 

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.

Section 9(b)(12)(A)(i) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act restricts categorical eligibility for free school meals based on SNAP participation to children who are members of a household receiving assistance under SNAP. Therefore, a child who is a member of a household that is receiving “zero benefits” from SNAP is not categorically eligible for free meals, unless the child is categorically eligible for another reason.

This memorandum provides updated questions and answers to the Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010 implementation memorandum SP 39-2011, Guidance on Paid Lunch Equity and Revenue from Nonprogram Foods.

The purpose of this memorandum is to implement provisions contained in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 which establish direct certification rate benchmarks for states and require continuous improvement plans from states that do not meet the benchmarks.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 modifies requirements for fluid milk in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the implementation of these modifications.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010  clarifies requirements for participation in evaluations and research in the child nutrition programs. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the implementation of this provision

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 amends statutory requirements for collection of social security numbers in all child nutrition programs. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the implementation of this requirement.

Summary of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010 by Program

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.