FNS Documents & Resources

On Oct. 12, 2023, Mathematica and DIR hosted a webinar for all school food authorities (SFAs) and relevant partners who participate in farm to school activity and are working to complete the 2023 Farm to School Census.

The 2023 Farm to School Census FAQ addresses common issues for school food authorities responding to the Farm to School Census. 

This fact sheet outlines a number of additional resources for those seeking to directly purchase or raise food products for school nutrition programs.

"Food Safety Frequently Asked Questions: The Food Safety Modernization Act and its Impact on Farm to School Activities": This document includes common questions related to food safety when purchasing locally grown and raised food products directly from producers as well as food safety considerations for edible campus gardens.

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 Farm to School Census checklist has suggestions for school food authorities to prepare for the Farm to School Census.

This optional worksheet is an aid to help school food authorities gather important information that will help them more quickly complete the 2023 Farm to School Census.

This is a printable SAMPLE of the 2023 Farm to School Census survey intended for school food authorities to review questions in advance of completing their surveys starting October 2023. This sample survey is for the purpose of review only and is not intended to be completed and returned.

The Meats/Meat Alternates Tip Sheet is designed for program operators as a handy and easy-to-use reference on how to credit meats/meat alternates and incorporate them into the meal pattern requirements.

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.