FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum clarifies FNS policy regarding the calorie and nutrient requirements for meals planned using alternate menu planning approaches.

This Notice announces the annual adjustments to the "national average payments,'' the amount of money the federal government provides states for lunches, afterschool snacks and breakfasts served to children participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs; to the "maximum reimbursement rates,'' the maximum per lunch rate from federal funds that a state can provide a school food authority for lunches served to children participating in the National School Lunch Program; and to the rate of reimbursement for a half-pint of milk served to non-needy children in a school or institution which participates in the Special Milk Program for Children.

In an effort to provide administrative relief to state agencies and Summer Food Service Program sponsoring organizations, we are extending to the SFSP a provision of the CACFP that allows state agencies and institutions to rely upon a determination of area eligibility for up to five years when based on National School Lunch Program data.

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.

This final rule establishes requirements for the disclosure of children's free and reduced price meals or free milk eligibility information under the child nutrition programs.