This page provides links to a CSFP welcome packet and PowerPoint Presentations to assist new states in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
This memo has been superseded by the Oct. 22, 2020, memo "Commodity Supplemental Food Program Revised Food Package Maximum Monthly Distribution Rates."
The CSFP Enhanced Food Package goes into effect Nov. 1, 2019. This webinar covers transition updates regarding direct shipment purchase status’ and food availability from the National Warehouses including when to expect new foods and package sizes to be available for multi-food ordering. In addition, live attendees were given the opportunity to ask any additional questions before implementing the enhanced food package.
A number of tools and resources are available to help schools identify food items that meet Smart Snacks criteria. See the resources below for information about the Smart Snacks requirement, helpful tools, and ways to encourage children to make healthier snack choices that give them the nutrition they need to grow and learn.
In February 2019, USDA announced changes to the monthly food package that will be implemented beginning November 1, 2019. This webinar will focus on the new options and flexibilities within each category and provide guidance about how to plan for a successful transition. To help states and local sites adjust their inventory and orders to implement the changes on November 1, USDA will provide a demo of the recently released Food Package Ordering Tool.
Kids eat more fruits and vegetables, when more fruits and vegetables are offered. A recent Harvard study reported that, under the updated standards for school meals, kids are now eating 16 percent more vegetables and 23 percent more fruit at lunch. During School Year 2014-2015, schools will start to offer more fruits at breakfast. Find information below on how your school can meet meal pattern requirements in ways that boost student acceptance of fruit and vegetable offerings.
Schools are an important player in overall national efforts to reduce the amount of salt that people eat. As such, schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs will continue to reduce the amount of salt in meals by choosing lower sodium versions of foods and flavoring foods with spices and herbs. See the resources below for information about sodium limits in school meals and guidance on selecting and preparing foods with less sodium.
This webinar recording provides more information on CSFP food package changes and how to adjust direct shipment ordering to prepare for implementation starting this November 2019. FNS reviewed products that will be phased out, new material codes (pack sizes) that will be added to the catalog as well as anticipated new product offerings. FNS discussed catalog availability and ordering deadlines and how to anticipate direct ship needs for the new guide rate.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is making significant revisions to the CSFP food package in response to feedback from the CSFP community! This is the first of a series of webinars that will help CSFP states and local agencies prepare to implement the food package changes. Listen to this webinar to hear what will be changing in the food package and have an opportunity to ask questions.