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Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0049 Update of Food Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum informs stakeholders on the progress made by FNS in updating the food crediting system for all child nutrition programs. This is a first step towards improving the crediting system to best address today’s evolving food and nutrition environment and meet the needs of those operating and benefiting from the CNPs.

SP08 CACFP02 SFSP02-2019
12/04/2018
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Unpaid Meal Charges

The goal of the school meal programs is to provide nutritious meals to children during the school day. Children may receive breakfast and lunch at no cost to them if they are categorically eligible for free meals or if they qualify for free meals based on federal poverty guidelines. Sometimes, however, children who do not qualify based on these standards would like a breakfast or lunch, but do not have money in their account or in-hand to cover the cost of the meal at the time of the meal service.

11/07/2018
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance CN Labeling - Notice to the Trade

This is to notify current and future applicants seeking review and approval of CN labels by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service that, effective Oct. 1, 2018, the hourly fee shall be $112.00 per hour for CN label review services.

08/15/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0009 Community Eligibility Provision: Annual Notification and Publication Requirements

This memorandum details guidance on the annual Community Eligibility Provision notification and publication requirements and provides information on the USDA-developed reporting template.

SP20-2017
03/16/2017
Resource | Policy Memos Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs

The purpose of this memorandum is to revise guidance on the use of school and census data to establish area eligibility in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the At-Risk Afterschool component of CACFP, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Seamless Summer Option of the National School Lunch Program.

SP08 CACFP04, SFSP03-2017
12/01/2016
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Tip Sheet for Accepting Processed Product Documentation

CN labels, factsheets, and product labels provide a way for food manufacturers to communicate with school program operators about how their products may contribute to the meal pattern requirements for meals served under the USDA CN programs. Included are tips for acceptable documentation.

05/11/2016
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2016-0010 FDA Requirements for Vending Machines

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.

SP28 CACFP09 SFSP11-2016
03/02/2016
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Tips for Evaluating a Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement

USDA does not approve a manufacturer’s PFS. Program operators are ultimately responsible for ensuring menu items meet meal pattern requirements; therefore, program operators should review and verify the crediting statement on a manufacturer’s PFS before purchasing the product.

01/13/2016
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2015-0026 Voluntary Menu Labeling in the NSLP and SBP

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the final rule, Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments in the Federal Register (79 FR 71155) on Dec. 1, 2014.

05/19/2015
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2015-0025 Updated Title I Guidance for Schools Electing Community Eligibility

One important goal of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 is to ensure that children have access to the nutrition they need to grow into healthy adults.

SP35-2015
04/27/2015
Page updated: October 14, 2021