FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this memorandum is to update the definition of what is considered “unprocessed” for the purposes of applying the optional geographic preference for procurement in the child nutrition programs.

This memorandum replaces SP 35-2009: Q&As Milk Substitution for Children with Medical or Special Dietary Needs, dated Aug. 13, 2009. We have attached the complete set of questions and answers and highlighted the three additions.

Please be aware that the procurement questions from July 22, 2009 have been revised. This new set of procurement questions supersedes the previous set, as a change has been made to the second Q&A under “Local Purchasing."

This memorandum updates and revises memoranda SP30-2008: Applying Geographic Preferences in Procurements for the Child Nutrition Programs, SP08-2009: Procurement Questions, and SP28-2009: Procurement Questions, regarding school food authorities’ and other institutions’ application of a geographic preference in procurements for the child nutrition programs.

The attached memorandum is a revision of Food Distribution’s Policy Memo FD-080, which includes a more comprehensive and clearer guidance in crediting for, and use of, donated foods in contracts with food service management companies

This policy memorandum is the result of activities undertaken to plan a government-wide response to a potential human pandemic and addresses the operation of its USDA food programs during a major pandemic event. 

This memorandum modifies the policy related to categorical eligibility for free meals or free milk for children who are members of a household receiving assistance under SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program.

This memorandum is to inform you of a recent change to the list of USDA-approved Nutrient Standard Menu Planning and School Meals Initiative nutrient analysis software programs available to state agencies, school food authorities and local schools to meet SMI requirements.

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.

We have obtained the latest school enrollment and attendance figures from the Department of Education. For your information, the updated national average daily attendance factor for use during Coordinated Review Effort for School Year 2009-2010 is 93.6 percent.