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Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Food Safety Resources

The FNS Food Safety division develops education, instruction and technical assistance resources for individuals working in federally funded nutrition assistance programs such as the NSLP, SBP, CACFP, and SFSP. Many of these resources are created in partnership with the Institute of Child Nutrition.

11/06/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance FDPIR Food Safety Magnet

Use a food thermometer to check for the safe minimum internal temperature.

FNS-967
10/23/2023
Resource | Policy Standard Utility Allowances

States annually update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to reflect changes in utility costs. When determining a household’s eligibility, states consider a household’s total shelter costs, including the cost of utilities. Since actual utility costs are often hard to determine, states can use SUAs, which are standard amounts that represent low-income household utility costs in the state or local area. SUAs may be used in lieu of the household's actual costs when determining eligibility and benefit amount.

10/01/2023
Resource | Policy Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Information

We adjust SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each federal fiscal year. 

10/01/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2013-0024 El virus estomacal

El virus estomacal: lo que el personal de la escuela debe saber

09/07/2023
Resource | Fact Sheets The Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule

This factsheet provides information on "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption.".

FNS-946
08/29/2023
Resource | Fact Sheets Overview: HARPC and HACCP

This factsheet introduces concepts of Hazard Analysis Risk Based Preventative Control and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plans.

FNS-945
08/29/2023
Resource | Fact Sheets An Overview of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

This fact sheet provides information on Good Agricultural Practices, recognized practices intended to prevent the microbial contamination of fresh produce, and how these practices apply to purchasing and growing local food products for farm to school activities. 

FNS-944
08/29/2023
Resource | Fact Sheets Food Safety Frequently Asked Questions

"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.

FNS-942
08/29/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Verifying Farm Food Safety

Child Nutrition program operators may want to visit a farm before purchasing produce. During a visit, you can observe and ask questions about produce handling and food safety practices.

08/07/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021