FNS Documents & Resources

In November 2005, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued Policy Memorandum FD-049 to assist school food authorities (SFAs) in providing healthier options and a wider variety of cheese products for students. The policy memorandum permits processors to substitute cheese donated by the Department of Agriculture (i.e., USDA cheese) with other varieties of cheese produced for the commercial market.

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify a state distributing agency's (SDA) responsibilities regarding (1) the approval of end products for processing; and (2) monitoring of sales of such end products to school food authorities (SF A) in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) by reviewing a processor's monthly performance report.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, and effective immediately, retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits in the following counties may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to provide direction and guidance to SDAs in order to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, and to make certain that all SFAs receive their planned assistance level and maximize their use of USDA Foods to meet the nutrition standards in the NSLP.

Policy Memorandum FD-126 provides clarification on 7 CFR 251.10(e)(2)(i). This memorandum outlines the method state agencies should use to monitor eligible recipient agencies' expenditures of TEFAP administrative funds.  

The purpose of this memorandum is to address recent inquiries on the application of the geographic preference option in the procurement of unprocessed locally grown or raised agricultural products.

Guidance on Cost Allocation for Exchange and Medicaid Information Technology (IT) Systems Questions and Answers.

Access to SNAP benefits by eligible applicants and ongoing participants is one of the highest priorities set by the Food and Nutrition Service. Improving program access helps to increase food security among low-income, eligible persons. FNS and state agencies work to improve program access in two ways: first, by informing people about the availability of food assistance through SNAP, and second, by identifying barriers that prevent eligible people from accessing program benefits.

Press Release--USDA Unveils Historic Improvements to Meals Served in America’s Schools

Attached are revised questions and answers related to the Food and Nutrition Service prototype 6 Cents Certification Tool.