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.
Recently, FNS has received a number of questions related to buying local meat, poultry, game, and eggs; this memorandum seeks to clarify the regulatory requirements related to food safety and answer specific questions related to these products with a series of questions and answers.
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.
USDA Foods data collected via the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS) were analyzed to conduct analyses on food purchases and spending at the national and state levels for four school years. These infographics display national data for school years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.
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).