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Resource | Research | Program Access Examining the Potential to Expand Data Matching in the School Meal Program Eligibility and Verification Processes

This White Paper examines whether any additional means-tested programs might be feasible for use in the direct certification of school-age children participating in school meals or for verification of household income on meal applications.

10/24/2016
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2015-0033 Updated Offer vs Serve Guidance for the NSLP and SBP Beginning SY2015-16

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. 

SP41-2015
07/21/2015
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Summer - How to Do Offer Versus Serve

Offer vs. Serve (OVS) is an approach to menu planning and meal service that aims to simplify program administration and reduce food waste and costs while maintaining the nutritional value of the meal that is served.

02/05/2015
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0074 Electronic Receipting for USDA Direct and Multi-Food Shipments (Revised)

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise you of a new and revised requirement for all Receiving Organizations (i.e., organizations that receive shipments of Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods, including Distributing Agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO), recipient agencies, processors, and warehouses). This memorandum replaces the previous FD-062 dated April 25, 2011 , and adjusts the maximum timeframe for entering shipment receipts in the Web-Based Supply Chain Management System.

FD-062
09/04/2013
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2013-0020 Variations in Meal Requirements for Religious Reasons: Jewish Schools, Institutions and Sponsors

This instruction is intended to clarify allowable variations to child nutrition program food components in order to meet religious needs among Jewish schools, institutions and sponsors. 

783-13 Rev. 3
03/27/2013
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Updated Offer versus Serve Guidance for the NSLP and SBP in SY 2013-14

This guidance replaces the 2004 edition of the Offer versus Serve in the School Nutrition Programs Resource Guide. In addition, please note that this guidance will be revised for School Year 2014-15 and beyond to reflect newly implemented meal pattern requirements as they are phased in.

01/01/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0020 FY 2009 Reallocation of State Administrative Expense Funds

This memorandum and attachments provide the information needed to conduct the FY 2009 reallocation of SAE funds.

SP17 CACFP04-2009
03/05/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2007-0014 Fluid Milk and Other Food Components/Menu Items in Reimbursable Lunches

It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion concerning fluid milk, and how it is offered in reimbursable lunches. Under all menu planning approaches, fluid milk is a separate food component/menu item.

SP06-2007
03/21/2007
Page updated: October 14, 2021