FNS Documents & Resources

This factsheet provides information on "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption.".

This fact sheet provides information on Good Agricultural Practices, recognized practices intended to prevent the microbial contamination of fresh produce, and how these practices apply to purchasing and growing local food products for farm to school activities. 

See what fruits, vegetables, proteins, legumes, grains, dairy, soups, and traditional foods are available through FDPIR.

USDA Foods Available List for CSFP.

The Farm to School Census checklist has suggestions for school food authorities to prepare for the Farm to School Census.

Check out the three-part "Crediting Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs", the final three tip sheets of the "Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs" tip sheet series! Use these as a quick reference and get to know the grains requirements across all the child nutrition programs.

The Farm to School Census is a survey of farm to school activities, including local food procurement and nutrition education.  This document provides additional clarification for school food authorities (SFAs) on the Farm to School Census and the data collection process.

This factsheet reviews best practices for producers to learn about how to sell local food to schools.

The USDA awards grants annually to help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. This fact sheet gives an overview of the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program and highlights Farm to School grantee projects.

This fact sheet reviews school farms spanning acres in Minnesota, indoor tower gardens in Vermont, raised beds in New York City, aquaponic systems in the Virgin Islands, and native food gardens in tribal communities.