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Resource | Policy Memos FD-152: Discontinuance of the High Security Seal Requirement for USDA Foods Deliveries

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. 

04/05/2023
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review

The Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review includes the 2019 Farm to School Census; a descriptive review of the USDA Farm to School grant program; a review of published research on farm to school since 2010; and a set of interviews with school food distributors. 

07/15/2021
Resource | Guidance Documents Instruction 709-5: Shipment and Receipt of USDA Foods

This instruction establishes the general standards and procedures that the state distributing agency, Indian Tribal Organization, or other consignee must follow in receiving shipments of USDA Foods, and conveys established responsibilities for other entities such as USDA Foods vendors and carriers.

FNS Instruction 709-5
03/13/2019
Resource | Webinars/Videos Integrity Features of a Web-based School Meal Application

This webinar details guidance and best practices for incorporating integrity-oriented design features into web-based school meal applications. 

06/27/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0073 Farm to School and School Garden Expenses

Recently, we have received several questions about the use of funds from the nonprofit school food service account to cover expenditures related to farm to school activities and school gardens. The questions and answers below address specific scenarios that school food authorities may be dealing with when considering the allowability of such costs.

SP06-2015
11/12/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0062 Smart Snacks Standards for Exempt Foods when Paired Together

The purpose of this memo is to clarify Smart Snacks standards for exempt foods that are paired together as a single snack.

SP63-2014
09/11/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0048 School Garden Q&As

Recently, we have received several questions regarding the operation of a school garden. Attached are questions and answers to address this issue. As in the past, please share this information with your school food authorities.

SP32-2009
07/29/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0005 Economic Price Adjustments in Vendor Contracts

Today’s unpredictable economy has made it important to consider accounting for the fluctuating costs of goods and services that are beyond the control of either the school food authority or the vendor.

SP10-2009
01/23/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2005-0011 Reminder about Storage and Handling of Dried Fruits, Fruit/Nut Trail Mix, Grains and Grain Products

FDD has received several complaints recently about dried fruit and grain products that became infested in storage. Therefore, it is imperative that dried fruit and grain products are distributed to the end user as soon as possible after receipt from the vendor to avoid problems with infestation.

03/08/2005
Page updated: October 14, 2021