FNS Documents & Resources

The French translation of the Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals and accompanying materials.

Meal pattern chart for the National School Lunch Program

Federal regulations require that all sponsor applications be submitted to the state agency by June 15th. States may establish earlier annual deadlines, but are encouraged to work with sponsors wishing to apply after the state’s earlier deadline.

This map contains links to state-specific information on local educational agencies and schools that may be eligible to elect the Community Eligibility Provision.

This publication provides consideration, tips, best practices, and sample menus for school meals program operators who wish to distribute multiple meals at one time.

The Professional Standards Summary of Updates Flyer provides an overview of the Professional Standards requirements which consist of hiring standards and annual training requirements for state directors of school nutrition programs, state director of distributing agencies, school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff.

While many schools will return to their regular cafeteria meal service this year, schools will need to be prepared for many contingencies. FNS encourages schools to have plans in place to ensure students have access to school meals no matter what this school year may bring.  

A central resource outlining the USDA Professional Standards requirements for state and local school nutrition professionals.

Meal pattern calculations for short and long weeks. This applies to schools who regularly operate on a shorter or longer weekly cycle.

Professional Standards for school nutrition professionals is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The final rule, published March 2, 2015, requires a minimum amount of annual training hours for all state directors of school nutrition programs, state director of distributing agencies, school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff.