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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 | Federal Register Documents Comment Request: Barriers Facing Small Firms and Businesses Providing Halal, Kosher and Organic Products in Commodity Contracting with AMS

In keeping with ongoing efforts to increase the number of small and underserved businesses participating in the USDA food procurement program, as well as increasing access to culturally appropriate foods, AMS is seeking public input on perceived barriers that small businesses, those owned by underserved businesses, and providers of organic, kosher and halal agricultural products face in working with AMS' Commodity Procurement Program.

10/28/2022
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2019-0024 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 | Final Rule Final Rule: Revisions and Clarifications in Requirements for the Processing of Donated Foods

This rule revises and clarifies requirements for the processing of donated foods in order to: Incorporate successful processing options tested in demonstration projects into the regulations, ensure accountability for donated foods provided for processing, increase program efficiency and integrity, and support vendor and state operability.

05/01/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0003 Market Basket Analysis when Procuring Program Goods and Modifying Contracted-For Product Lists

This memorandum provides guidance to state distributing agencies and recipient agencies on the use of market basket analysis in procuring processed end products for USDA Foods in Schools and commercial goods for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program. 

FD-144, SP04 SFSP01 CACFP04-2018
01/18/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0011 School Food Authorities Purchasing Produce from Department of Defense Vendors using Section 4 and 11 FFVP Funds

This memorandum clarifies how school food authorities may use funds provided under Sections 4 and 11 or 19 of the National School Lunch Act to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program vendors.

FD-133
03/06/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2012-0013 Soliciting Bids from Commercial Distributors for End Products

In this policy memorandum, we clarify that the SFA may, in some cases, include bids for procurement of end products in its solicitation for procurement of commercial food products from commercial distributors, rather than conduct two separate solicitations. 

FD-119
02/13/2012
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2010-0035 Further Clarification in Crediting for, and Use of, Donated Foods in Contracts with Food Service Management Companies

The attached memorandum is Food Distribution Policy Memo FD-110, which clarifies requirements in crediting for, and use of, USDA donated foods in contracts with food service management companies, and provides guidance to ensure compliance with such requirements in the first and final years of such contracts.

FD-110; SP05-2011
10/22/2010
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
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2004-0033 FDPIR - Flexible Benefit Packages/"Cafeteria Plans"

Many employers provide flexible benefit packages that give employees choice and control over employer-provided benefits. These flexible benefit packages are also referred to as “cafeteria plans,” because employees choose among two or more benefits.

FD-035
08/31/2004
Page updated: October 14, 2021