Skip to main content
Resource | Training and Outreach Professional Standards: Resources

These resources provide school nutrition professionals with the knowledge and tools to implement and meet the professional standards requirements within their programs.

11/03/2023
Resource | Policy Clarification of Allowable Flexibilities for Child Nutrition Programs Experiencing Milk Supply Shortages

FNS is aware that schools in multiple states are experiencing milk supply chain challenges related to packaging issues. This memorandum provides state agencies with information about existing authority related to schools and other child nutrition program operators experiencing inadequate milk supply. FNS encourages state agencies to use this authority when needed to support program operators impacted by the current milk packaging challenges. 

10/26/2023
Basic page State Agency
08/23/2023
Resource | Training and Outreach Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool

The USDA child nutrition program’s Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool is designed to assist school nutrition professionals in keeping track of their annually required training hours.

05/24/2023
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Child Nutrition Program Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic, March Through September 2020

This data collection fulfills states’ reporting requirements and describes trends in program participation during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is part of an ongoing study series examining CN program operations, repurposed to collect waiver reports from all states.

05/23/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents Revised Prototype Free and Reduced Price Application for SY 2017-2018

Attached to this memorandum, please find a revised edition of the Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals, with an accompanying instructions document. These materials may be adapted for direct use by state and local agencies, or as a reference for designing an effective application packet that meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. 

05/11/2023
Resource | Policy Revised Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

This memorandum provides information on the revised Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals. USDA updated the prototype application to improve the user experience for applicants by adjusting the reading level, streamlining the application instructions, and by adding clarity to the mailing instructions to reduce the number of applications sent to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

05/11/2023
Resource | Policy State Agency Food Safety Inspections Report for SY 2022-23

This memorandum and attachment provides guidance regarding the State Agency School Food Safety Inspections Report for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for SY 2022-23.

04/27/2023
Resource | Policy Best Practices for Contracting with Food Service Management Companies

This memorandum provides additional procurement-related technical assistance and information for state agencies and school food authorities to consider when entering into and executing contracts with Food Service Management Companies.

04/21/2023
Resource | Policy Oversight and Monitoring of the School Meals Programs- Information Regarding Onsite and Offsite Strategies and Options

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding onsite and offsite strategies and options for oversight and monitoring of the school meal programs.

04/06/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021