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Resource | Proposed Rule Proposed Rule: NSLP and SBP Additional Menu Planning Alternatives

The National School Lunch Act requires that schools that are participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs claim reimbursements only for lunches or breakfasts which meet the nutrition standards of the National School Lunch Act, including compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

05/15/1998
Resource | Policy FNS Instruction 783-1: The Grains/Breads Requirement for the Food-Based Menu Planning Alternatives in CNPs

This Instruction sets forth the criteria to be used to determine acceptable grains/breads, the criteria to be used to determine equivalent minimum serving sizes, and examples of foods that qualify as grains/breads for meals served under the food-based menu planning alternatives in all child nutrition programs

01/08/1997
Resource | Guidance Documents PL 104-193: Changes to Applications for Waivers in the Child Nutrition Programs

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 made a number of changes to the National School Lunch Act which governs the waiver process in the child nutrition programs. This memorandum identifies the changes and provides guidance to be used in developing and submitting waiver requests to the child nutrition division. 

12/02/1996
Resource | Guidance Documents FNS Instruction 783-2 Rev. 2: Meal Substitutions for Medical or Other Special Dietary Reasons

This Instruction outlines the policy for food substitutions and other modifications in the meal patterns necessary to meet the dietary requirements of program participants with handicaps and with other special dietary needs.

10/14/1994
Resource | Federal Register Notices Proposed Rule: National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Objectives for School Meals

This rule proposes to amend the regulations outlining the nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. It is part of an integrated, comprehensive plan for promoting the health of children. Specifically, this proposal would update the current nutrition standards to incorporate the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which reflect medical and scientific consensus on proper nutrition as a vital element in disease prevention and long-term health promotion.

06/10/1994
Resource | Policy FNS Instruction 781-6: Special Developmental Projects

Section 10 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 permits the Secretary to authorize any state or regional office, where applicable, to reserve up to 1 percent of the funds earned in any fiscal year under both the National School Lunch Act and the CNA for special developmental projects. 

11/21/1991
Resource | Guidance Documents FNS Instruction 765-7 Rev. 2: Handling Lost, Stolen and Misused Meal Tickets

This Instruction sets forth policy with respect to needy students who report lost or stolen meal tickets in schools and institutions that participate in the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Commodity School or Special Milk Programs.

08/08/1988
Resource | Guidance Documents FNS Instruction 791-1: Prohibition Against Denying Meals and Milk to Children as a Disciplinary Action

This Instruction prohibits the denial of meals and milk as a disciplinary action against any child who is enrolled in a school participating in the child nutrition programs. Such denial of meals or milk is inconsistent with Section 2 and 9 of the National School Lunch Act and Sections 2,3, and 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.

07/12/1988
Resource | Guidance Documents FNS Instruction 776-7: Eligibility of Schools and Institutions to Participate in School Nutrition Programs

Occasionally, applications for participation in the School Nutrition Programs may be received from organizations that do not clearly meet the definition of “school.”

06/06/1988
Resource | Guidance Documents FNS Instruction 782-5: Pricing of Adult Meals in the National School Lunch And School Breakfast Programs

This Instruction sets forth the policy on pricing of meals served to adults under the National School Lunch, Commodity School and School Breakfast Programs in participating schools and institutions which claim reimbursement under Sections 4 and 11 of the National School Lunch Act and Section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act.

06/06/1988
Page updated: June 02, 2026