This guidance describes $1 billion being provided by FNS to enhance local school districts’ ability to purchase foods for school meals by offering resources needed to address supply chain challenges directly to schools and school districts.
To help schools deal with supply chain challenges brought on by the pandemic, USDA is providing up to: $1 billion in Supply Chain Assistance funds for schools to purchase food for their meal programs, $300 million for states to purchase USDA Foods to distribute to schools, and $200 million for cooperative agreements to purchase local foods for schools, focusing on historically underused producers.
These resources provide information about meal components and meal pattern requirements for child nutrition programs.
USDA Foods in Schools product information sheets containing USDA Foods description and WBSCM ID for grains.
A resource on preserving locally harvested produce in school meals includes information about facility and personnel considerations and product flow and handling.
This guide, provides important information and resources about conducting a mock recall for produce in a school nutrition operation.
FNS has used its authority under FFRCA to waive certain onsite monitoring requirements for the school meals programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, so that programs can to maintain program integrity and support social distancing while providing meals.
This memorandum provides clarification on questions related to child nutrition programs use of emergency procurements due to supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Education Secretary Cardona provide a brief message thanking school nutrition professionals for the work they do to ensure students receive nutritious meals.
CACFP Worksheets in English and Spanish: These worksheets can be used to empower CACFP providers with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to implement CACFP meal pattern requirements.