The CN Labeling Program is designed to aid schools and institutions participating in the National School Lunch, School Breakfast Program, CACFP and Summer Food Service program by determining the contribution a commercial product makes toward the meal pattern requirements of these programs.
The Child Nutrition Labeling Manual provides food manufacturers with instructions on how to apply and obtain approval for a CN label.
FNS is conducting additional demonstration projects to expand the evaluation of direct certification with Medicaid for both free and reduced price meal eligibility in NSLP and SBP.
CN numbers that appear on the valid list apply to the CN logo and crediting statement only. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the product label meets all over federal labeling requirements.
The term "Alternate Protein Product" is the name used by FNS to identify products meeting requirements set forth in Appendix A of the NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and the CACFP within the section entitled Alternate Protein Products.
Letter to states from the USDA Secretary to encourage you to help schools in your state keep kids fed despite ongoing challenges associated with the pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, and labor shortages.
The USDA, child nutrition (CN) labeling program provides food manufacturers the option to include a standardized food crediting statement on their product label.
CN labeling policies and procedures are provided here (QC requirements and compliance, reviews, program manuals, tips for submitting CN labels, and the manufacturer's product formulation statement).