FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify requirements in the sale of processed end products through a commercial distributor under an "indirect discount" or "hybrid" sales system and in a modified form of such sales system previously approved by FNS.

Section 9(b)(12)(A)(i) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act restricts categorical eligibility for free school meals based on SNAP participation to children who are members of a household receiving assistance under SNAP. Therefore, a child who is a member of a household that is receiving “zero benefits” from SNAP is not categorically eligible for free meals, unless the child is categorically eligible for another reason.

This memo is to inform you of changes and clarifications related to direct certification for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On July 1, 2006, FNS implemented Policy Memorandum FD-061: Inbound Cheese to Further Processors, in order to alleviate the administrative burden on processors and state distributing agencies (SDAs) in continually reallocating pounds to individual recipient agencies (RAs) based on the variation between the published target truck weight and the actual pounds delivered by the USDA vendor. This policy memorandum revises the original FD-061.

This notice announces a request for public comments on the approach for selecting and awarding local agencies for excellence in WIC breastfeeding services and support. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires that the USDA establish a program to recognize WIC local agencies and clinics that demonstrate exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities.

The purpose of this memorandum is to implement provisions contained in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 which establish direct certification rate benchmarks for states and require continuous improvement plans from states that do not meet the benchmarks.

The interim rule, Direct Certification and Certification of Homeless, Migrant and Runaway Children for Free School Meals, was published on April 25, 2011. One of the provisions in this rule concerns the frequency of direct certification matching activities with the SNAP and is effective July 1, 2011.

This rule amends the regulations affecting the determination of children's eligibility for free meals under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program by direct certification and categorical eligibility. Conforming changes and miscellaneous technical changes are also made, as appropriate, for the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program.

Effective Oct.1, 2008, institutions receiving funds through the child nutrition programs may apply an optional geographic preference in the procurement of unprocessed locally grown or locally raised agricultural products.

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to provide guidance in ensuring compliance with requirements in Subpart D of 7 CFR Part 250 with respect to crediting for, and use of donated foods in contracts with food service management companies (FSMCs).