This memorandum provides notice to child nutrition program operators regarding the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (the 2025 Appropriations Act), March 15, 2025. This applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating, the USDA FNS child nutrition programs.
The purpose of this memorandum is to remind schools, sponsors, and institutions participating in any USDA Child Nutrition Program, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program for Children , Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Seamless Summer Option , of the many ways they can purchase local foods to serve in program meals.
This webinar introduces and describes the purposes of the two USDA databases available for K-12 product manufacturers to publish their product data: Child Nutrition Database and the USDA Foods Database.
Geographic Preference Option Questions and Answers
This memorandum provides a detailed explanation of the expanded geographic preference option.
Learn more about the nutritious, 100% American grown USDA Foods that are designed to meet the needs of the specific population each program serves.
Decision tree to help determine how to get your product considered for USDA Food distribution programs.
USDA foods are required to meet a minimum criteria to be considered for purchase.
This page outlines the eight-step process for adding new foods to the USDA Foods available list.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods are foods purchased from American farmers, dairies, ranchers, and fisheries to support Federal nutrition assistance programs and American agriculture.