FNS Documents & Resources

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.

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide state agencies and child nutrition program operators, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program, with additional information and clarification on the administrative review process regarding the child nutrition label, watermarked CN label, and manufacturer’s product formulation statement.

This memorandum provides guidance to state agencies and institutions on the role and requirements of administrative review officials in resolving adverse actions issued by state agencies administering and institutions participating in the CACFP.

This memorandum provides additional guidance to assist in implementing the final rule, Administrative Reviews in School Nutrition Programs, effective Sept. 27, 2016. The guidance included in this memorandum is intended to assist with the completion of administrative reviews conducted after this effective date.

FNS recently released the new Administrative Review Guidance Manual, which includes four options that state agencies may use to assess compliance with Dietary Specifications – calories, saturated fat, and sodium – requirements. 

On March 19, 2012, FNS issued the memo titled Family Day Care Home Administrative Reimbursements: Options and Carryover Reporting Requirements, which described procedures for reporting fiscal year 2011 family day care home administrative payments and carryover. The present memo focuses on reporting family day care home carryover for FY 2012 and beyond.

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

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.

FNS is soliciting proposals for the second round of funding (FY 2006) from state agencies that have identified local educational agencies which have demonstrated a high level of, or a high risk for, administrative error.