Serving Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs

Resource type

Training and Outreach

The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) understands the importance of serving traditional Indigenous foods and encourages all operators of child nutrition programs (CNP) to source locally grown and raised foods.

FNS has a variety of resources to assist CNP operators in determining how traditional Indigenous foods may contribute toward a reimbursable meal.

Bringing Tribal Foods and Traditions into Cafeterias, Classrooms, and Gardens

ICN Recipe Box — Child Nutrition Recipe Box

Community Food Systems in Native Communities – Incorporating Traditional Foods in Child Nutrition Program Menus

Crediting of Child Nutrition Programs and Traditional Indigenous Foods Memo — Crediting Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs **Updated memo now available**

Crediting Tip Sheets in Child Nutrition Programs

Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

In the Know graphic — Crediting Updates for Child Nutrition Programs: Be in the Know! Webinar Series

The Food Buying Guide Interactive Web-based Tool — Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG)

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Policy Guidance

Farm Bill Implementation Memo: Donated Traditional Foods and Civil Liability
Grain Requirements for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program
Nutrition Standards for CACFP Meals and Snacks
Nutrition Standards for School Meals
NSLP Afterschool Snack Service
Procuring Local Meat, Poultry, Game, and Eggs for Child Nutrition Programs (Updated memo now available)
Service of Traditional Foods in Public Facilities
Summer Food Service Program