We published the direct final rule with comment period, Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs (91 FR 57245), effective Nov. 9, 2026.
Earlier this year, we published updates to the stocking standards required for most retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits. Does your store meet updated SNAP stocking standards? A new tool can help you check.
This direct final rule amends geographic preference option language in National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Program, and Summer Food Service Program regulations.
Earlier this year, we published updates to the stocking standards required for most retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits. Starting on November 4, 2026, retailers must comply with these standards or risk losing their ability to accept SNAP.
We urge each third party processor to take proactive steps that support SNAP integrity and protect taxpayer dollars.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins writes to remind schools, sponsors, and institutions participating in any USDA Child Nutrition Program, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Seamless Summer Option, of the many ways they can purchase local foods to serve in program meals.
The purpose of this memorandum is to remind schools, sponsors, and institutions participating in any U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Seamless Summer Option, of the various resources available to help child nutrition program operators procure local foods.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking states and food service companies, with the support of school food authorities, to pledge to make school meals and snack programs healthier.
This memorandum provides guidance on the school year 2026-2027 Buy American accommodation process outlined in 7 CFR 210.21(d)(8) and 7 CFR 220.16(d)(8).
Product Formulation Statement templates and samples for demonstrating how a food product may contribute to the meal pattern requirements in USDA child nutrition programs.