USDA Foods Database

The USDA Foods Database provides state agencies and school districts access to up-to-date, vendor-specific nutrition, allergen, and ingredient information for direct delivered USDA Foods for child nutrition programs offered on the USDA Foods Available List, as required by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

Each USDA Foods product can be supplied by numerous USDA approved vendors, as long as their product meets the requirements outlined in the USDA specification. The USDA Foods Database captures product information from all vendors that supply a particular product. This information can be used by states and school districts to manage menu planning, inform ordering decisions, meet USDA meal pattern requirements and nutrition standards, and provide safe meals for students with food allergies and other special dietary needs.

Access the USDA Foods Database

The USDA Foods Database is a non-editable Excel spreadsheet that allows users to search for USDA Foods by their 6-digit unique material code. The spreadsheet must be downloaded and saved to use. Use the instructions below to learn how to navigate the USDA Foods Database.

USDA continues to work with vendors to obtain product information. Therefore, certain products and/or vendors may not be found in the USDA Foods Database at this time. Check out the list of required products for the USDA Foods Database below to learn which USDA Foods products are currently found in the USDA Foods Database.

USDA Foods Database - March 2025 (You must download and save file to use it)
Release Notes (03/03/25)
Instructions on How to Use the USDA Foods Database
List of Required Products for the USDA Foods Database (03/03/25)

Access the USDA Foods Database

Archive

Key Resources

For State Agencies and School Districts

For Vendors