Through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, USDA made the first major changes in school meals in 15 years, which will help us raise a healthier generation of children.
The new standards align school meals with the latest nutrition science and the real world circumstances of America’s schools. These responsible reforms do what’s right for children’s health in a way that’s achievable in schools across the Nation.
Regulation
-
Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (1/26/12)
- Press Release
- Final Summary of Public Comments on Proposed Rule
Policy Memos
- SP 20-2015: Requests for Exemption from the School Meals’ Whole Grain-Rich Requirement for School Years 2014-2015 and 2015- 2016
- SP 10-2014 (v3): Smoothies Offered in Child Nutrition Programs (revision)
- SP 45-2013: Updated Offer versus Serve Guidance for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program in School Year 2013-2014
- SP 31-2013: Salad Bars in the National School Lunch Program
- SP 28-2013: Questions & Answers on the School Breakfast Program Meal Pattern in School Year 2013-14 (revision)
- SP 26-2013: Extending Flexibility in the Meat/Meat Alternate and Grains Maximums for School Year 2013-14
- SP 16-2013: Revised Meat/Meat Alternates and Milk Charts in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
- SP 11-2013: FNS Guidance to School Food Authorities: Flexibility in the Meat/Meat Alternate and Grain Maximums for School Year 2012-2013
- SP 02-2013: Corn Masa (Dough) for Use in Tortilla Chips, Taco Shells, and Tamales
- SP 37-2012: Separation of Vegetables/Fruit in the Food Buying Guide
- SP 30-2012: Grain Requirements for the National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs
- SP 28-2012: Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Q and As on the Paid Lunch Price Report
- SP 26-2012: Formulated Grain Fruit Products
- SP 17-2012: Procurement Questions and Answers to Assist in the Implementation of the Final Rule, "Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs"
- SP 16-2012: Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products
- SP 10-2012: Q&As on Final Rule "Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs" (version 9)
Technical Assistance and Guidance Materials
- PFS Tip Sheet - Evaluate if the Document Is Acceptable
- Tools for Schools
- Setting the Record Straight
- Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements
- Food Buying Guide for School Meal Programs
- Whole Grain Resource for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (2/12/2014)
- Letter from Under Secretary Concannon (10/2/12)
- New Meal Patterns and Dietary Specifications
- Implementation Timeline
- Comparison of Previous to New Regulatory Requirements
- How USDA Foods Supports Regulatory Requirements
- SNA 2013 Presentation on Meal Pattern (PDF)
- March 2012 LAC Presentation: New Meal Pattern Requirements and Nutrition Standards (PDF)
- Best Practices Sharing Center
- School Meals Sample Menu (PDF) (JPG)
- SNA 2013 Presentation: New Meal Pattern Requirements for the School Breakfast Program (PDF)
