FNS Documents & Resources

A set of three handouts on best practices to help you safely handle and store USDA foods at home.

These handouts provide general recommendations on handwashing, cleaning, and disinfecting, to operators of USDA Foods household programs including CSFP, TEFAP, and FDPIR. 

The following information can be used by program operators to learn more about water safety after extended closures or reduced operations in school buildings and how to reduce water-related hazards during reopening. 

This resource discusses the best practices associated with handling fresh produce in schools, and includes information throughout the purchasing and receiving, washing and preparation, hand hygiene, serving, and storage of fresh produce. The resource also includes recommendations for specific fruits and vegetables. 

This guide, provides important information and resources about conducting a mock recall for produce in a school nutrition operation.

This resource describes best practices for storing fresh produce for school nutrition program operators. It includes temperature information, as well as an example of produce storage best practices in a walk-in refrigerator. 

A resource on preserving locally harvested produce in school meals includes information about facility and personnel considerations and product flow and handling. 

This resource provides information about fresh-cut produce operations and food safety practices. The resource outlines background information, definitions, steps and questions to ask during a fresh-cut operation visit and specific food safety discussion topics. 

A fact sheet that identifies what school nutrition operators should consider when using a vacuum seal packaging system to ensure safe and quality products. 

This resource provides information about fresh produce distribution operations and food safety practices. The resource outlines background information, definitions, steps and questions to ask during a fresh produce distributor visit and specific food safety discussion topics.