FNS Documents & Resources

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.

USDA Foods in Schools product information sheets with description and WBSCM ID for vegetables. 

USDA Foods product information sheets containing USDA Foods description and WBSCM ID for fruits. 

USDA Foods in Schools Foods product information sheets containing USDA Foods description and WBSCM ID for meat/meat alternates. 

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.

The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to a major formula recall in February 2022, has left many CACFP operators concerned about access to formula and their options for safely feeding infants in their care.  

This report examines the impact of using Medicaid data to directly certify students for free and reduced-price school meals in the NSLP and SBP in fifteen states in school year 2019-20. It assesses outcomes related to certification, participation, federal reimbursement, and state administrative costs in SY 2019-20 and over the course of the demonstration.