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Resource | Policy Use of Share Tables in Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum extends the use of share tables to the CACFP’s at-risk afterschool component and provides a reminder to all child nutrition program operators of the opportunity presented by share tables to reduce food waste and the food safety requirements that must be followed when using share tables during meal service.

06/22/2016
Resource | Policy Final Rule: CACFP Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

This final rule updates the meal pattern requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program to better align them with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

04/25/2016
Resource | Policy Service of Traditional Foods in Public Facilities

Section 4033 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 directs the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration to allow the donation to and serving of traditional food through food service programs at public facilities and nonprofit facilities, including those operated by Indian tribes and facilities operated by tribal organizations, that primarily serve Indians.

07/31/2015
Resource | Policy Updated Offer vs Serve Guidance for the NSLP and SBP Beginning SY 2015-16

Offer versus Serve is a provision in the NSLP and School Breakfast Program that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school meals programs while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat. 

07/21/2015
Resource | Policy Voluntary Menu Labeling in the NSLP and SBP

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the final rule, Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments in the Federal Register (79 FR 71155) on Dec. 1, 2014.

05/19/2015
Resource | Policy Q&As Related to the “Smart Snacks” Interim Final Rule

This is the third in a series of Questions and Answers related to the interim final rule titled, National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

03/31/2015
Resource | Policy Instructions for Reporting State Administrative Funds for Implementing the New Meal Patterns

To assist state agencies and FNS to better monitor the use of Section 201 funds, as mentioned in our August 15, 2014 memorandum SP60-2014 (Second Extension of Grant Period for State Administrative Funds to Implement New Meal Pattern Requirements), FNS has changed the frequency of financial reporting from annual reporting to quarterly reporting beginning with the fiscal year (FY) 2015.

09/16/2014
Resource | Policy Smart Snacks Standards for Exempt Foods when Paired Together

The purpose of this memo is to clarify Smart Snacks standards for exempt foods that are paired together as a single snack.

09/11/2014
Resource | Policy State Agency Fundraiser Elections and Exemptions

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 directed the Department of Agriculture to establish nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold to students on the school campus during the school day, including foods sold through school fundraisers.

08/12/2014
Resource | Policy Transition of Foods and Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value to Smart Snacks in School Standards

This memorandum is to inform you that all foods of minimal nutritional value exemptions will end on June 30, 2014. Therefore, the attached list, Exemptions Under the Competitive Foods Regulation will become obsolete on July 1, 2014. Beginning July, 1, 2014, the interim final rule for Smart Snacks in School will go into effect for school year 2014-15. Therefore, any competitive foods and beverages must meet the nutrition standards specified in the interim final rule.

06/30/2014
Page updated: October 14, 2021