FNS Documents & Resources

Check out this database to access vendor-specific product information for all direct delivered USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program.

The Child Nutrition Database is a required part of the nutrient analysis software approved by USDA for use in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. It is a nutrient database of over 9,000 food items.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Sharing Gallery is a source of inspiration and sharing of nutrition education materials, recipes, photos, news, grant opportunities, and other resources for Tribes participating in FDPIR.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will discontinue the requirement for vendors to use high security seals to secure USDA Foods deliveries as of July 1, 2023. 

These questions and answers provide more information about the USDA Foods Database for states/school districts.

This webinar provided state agencies and school districts instructions on how to navigate the USDA Foods Database to access vendor-specific product information, including nutrients, allergens, ingredients and certifications.

The FNS State Systems team has produced a series of training presentations designed to help state agencies understand and comply with the FNS approval process. These eight on-line presentations correspond to FNS Handbook 901, with information on the key documents or phases in the process.

The revised Whole Grain Resource for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs is a comprehensive guide to determine whether a grain product is whole grain-rich or can credit as enriched in school meals.

The USDA DoD Fresh program allows schools and ITOs to buy fresh produce. The program is operated by the Defense Logistics Agency at DoD. 

The Food Buying Guide for child nutrition programs has all of the current information in one manual to help you and your purchasing agent buy the right amount of food and the appropriate type of food for your program(s), and determine the specific contribution each food makes toward the meal pattern requirements.