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Child Nutrition Programs Food Industry Toolkit

A Resource Hub for Food Industry Partners

This toolkit contains resources for use by food industry to understand USDA child nutrition program (CNP) meal pattern requirements; how food products may contribute toward the meal pattern requirements, and food product documentation used in the CNP.

School Meals Nutrition Standards CACFP Nutrition Standards
illustration of a school loading dock

  • Child Nutrition Labels

    Answers to common questions, instructions, and policy and guidance documents.

    View CN Labeling Resources

  • Product Formulation Statements

    Key guidance, templates, samples, and tips for evaluation.

    View PFS Materials

  • Alternate Protein Products

    Frequently asked questions and sample documentation.

    View APP Information

  • Child Nutrition Database

    Food product nutrient data and resources for industry partners interested in publishing their data.

    View CN Database

  • Food Buying Guide for CNP

    Essential food yield information for program operators.

    View Food Buying Guide

  • Crediting Tip Sheets

    References for program operators on how to credit the five meal components in CNP.

    View Tip Sheets

  • CACFP Crediting Handbook

    Resource to assist CACFP operators in planning menus that meet the USDA meal pattern requirement.

    View Handbook

  • USDA Foods in Schools

    Resources for vendors supplying American-grown foods through the USDA Foods in Schools program.

    View Resources
Page updated: June 08, 2026