FNS Documents & Resources

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions. The SBP started in 1966 as a pilot project, and was made a permanent entitlement program by Congress in 1975.

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, limits the amount of resources that a household may have and still receive SNAP benefits. Resources can include, but are not limited to, cash and funds in checking or savings accounts.

CN labels, factsheets, and product labels provide a way for food manufacturers to communicate with school program operators about how their products may contribute to the meal pattern requirements for meals served under the USDA CN programs. Included are tips for acceptable documentation.

Immunizing children against certain diseases is one important way to help them stay healthy. WIC’s mission is to be a partner with other services that are important to childhood and family well-being, such as immunizations. As an adjunct to services that provide immunizations, the WIC program’s role is to find out about a child’s need for immunizations and share that information with parents, including where to get a child immunized.

USDA does not approve a manufacturer’s PFS. Program operators are ultimately responsible for ensuring menu items meet meal pattern requirements; therefore, program operators should review and verify the crediting statement on a manufacturer’s PFS before purchasing the product.

USDA offers a variety of user- and kid-friendly whole grain-rich foods. We continually review and work to improve our whole-grain products to ensure they help school nutrition programs meet the updated meal requirements, perform well, and are acceptable to children. 

This fact sheet provides an overview of the amount of fiber that has been available for consumption between 2000 and 2005 and the level of contribution by grains to fiber in the U.S. food supply.

Going into the 2013-2014 School Year, the vast majority of schools are successfully meeting the updated meal standards which offer children more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; low-fat milk; and less salty and fatty foods.

Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School, Smart Snacks in Schools

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) supplies USDA Foods to disaster relief organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for congregate feeding or househole distribution.