Tools for Schools

Tools for Schools offers topic-specific policy and resource materials to assist schools in meeting the new nutrition standards. Refer to the latest regulations, find free nutrition education curricula, or get ideas for adding tasty, kid-friendly foods to enhance your school meals program.

Nutrition Education and Promotion

Find free nutrition education curricula, posters, brochures, tip sheets, graphics for school menus, and more that are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate:

• Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool - nutrition module (HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Let’s Eat for the Health of It
• Team Nutrition Elementary School Posters
• Team Nutrition Middle School Posters
• Team Nutrition Resource Library
• USDA MyPlate
• USDA 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series

Recipes and Culinary Techniques for Schools

Get ideas for adding tasty, kid-friendly foods to school menus, conducting taste-tests, and enhancing cooking techniques in your school kitchen:

• Recipes for Healthy Kids Cookbooks for Schools
• Child Nutrition Recipe Box - searchable database of recipes for schools

Procurement

Refer to these resources on good procurement practices, competitive purchasing, and forecasting. Be sure to take advantage of USDA Foods:

• PFS Tip Sheet - Evaluate if the Document Is Acceptable
• Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
• Procuring Local Foods
• USDA Food Distribution, DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
• USDA Foods Toolkit for Child Nutrition Programs

School Nutrition Improvement

Look to these resources for success stories, best practices, and how-to-guides on enhancing your school meals and lunchroom environment:

• Farm to School Resources
• Resources for School Food Service Professionals (National Agricultural Library)
• School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide (HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Team Nutrition Popular Events Idea Booklet

Policy Guidance

Refer to the latest regulations, policy memos, technical assistance, and guidance materials:

• Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements
• Local School Wellness Policy
• Local Wellness Policy Briefs (HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  • Local School Wellness Policies: Where Do They Stand and What Can You Do?
  • Creating Supportive School Nutrition Environments
  • Improving Access to Drinking Water in Schools
  • Marketing and Promotion of Foods and Beverages at School
• Nutrition Standards for School Meals
• Regulation: Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
• Webinar - The Challenges of Unpaid Meals: Proven Strategies from Our Nation's Schools