Overview
School Nutrition Programs | Manuals | Forms | Resources | Nutrition Education
The links below provide information on federal and state requirements and guidance for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) school nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast Program (SBP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the NSLP, Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) of the NSLP, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
- Accommodating Special Diets (see Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs)
- Acronyms and Abbreviations for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Action Guide for School Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies (CSDE)
- Administrative Review for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Adult Meals (see Nonprogram Foods)
- Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) (CSDE)
- Allergies (see Food Allergies)
- Applications for Child Nutrition Programs (see CNP System)
- Area Eligibility for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- At-risk Afterschool Meals (CSDE)
- Authorized Signature Change Form (CSDE)
B
- Beverage Requirements (CSDE)
- Breakfast (see School Breakfast Program)
- Business Managers (see Key Information for Connecticut School Business Officials About School Nutrition Programs)
- Buy American Provision (CSDE's Procurement for School Nutrition Programs webpage)
C
- Calendars
- Calories in School Meals (see Dietary Specifications (Nutrition Standards for School Meals))
- Celebrations and Classroom Parties
- Healthy Celebrations (CSDE)
- More resources for celebrations (see Resource List for Wellness Policies in Schools and Child Care)
- Celiac Disease (CSDE's Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Certification of Meal Pattern Compliance for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Charging Meals (see Unpaid Meal Charges (USDA) Opens in a new window)
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CSDE)
- Child Nutrition (CN) Labels
- CN Labeling Program (USDA)
- CN Labeling Program (CSDE)
- Crediting Commercial Processed Products (CSDE)
- Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Child Nutrition Sharing Site (ICN)
- Choking Prevention (CSDE's Food Safety for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Civil Rights for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Claims
- Claims for Child Nutrition Programs (see CNP System)
- Claims Preparers (see Key Information for Connecticut Claims Preparers for School Nutrition Programs)
- Claim Submission Schedule for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Classroom Meals: Requirements for Classroom Meals in the NSLP and SBP
- CNP System: Connecticut Online Application and Claiming System for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) (CSDE)
- Comparison Charts
- Comparison of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and the USDA's Smart Snacks Nutrition Standards (CSDE)
- Comparison of Meal Pattern Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Comparison of Meal Pattern Requirements for Preschool and Grades K-12 in the Afterschool Snack Program of the NSLP (CSDE)
- Comparison of Meal Pattern Requirements for Preschool and Grades K-12 in the NSLP and SBP (CSDE)
- Comparison of Meal Pattern Requirements for the Grains Component in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Comparison of Meal Pattern Requirements for the Milk Component in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Competitive Foods in Schools
- Competitive Foods in Schools (CSDE)
- Connecticut Competitive Foods Regulations (CSDE's Competitive Foods in Schools webpage)
- Connecticut General Statutes for foods and beverages
- Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week (see Farm to School)
- Connecticut Nutrition Standards (CSDE)
- Contact Information
- Contact Information for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Child Nutrition Staff and Responsibilities (CSDE)
- Connecticut Education Directory (Public educational organizations in Connecticut)
- Connecticut NSLP and SBP Sponsors (CSDE)
- Connecticut State Department of Education Staff Directory (CSDE)
- County Assignments for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Contract with Food Service Management Company (see Food Service Management Company)
- Coronavirus (see Operation of Child Nutrition Programs During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreaks)
- Crediting Foods
- Crediting Commercial Processed Products for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Crediting Commercial Processed Products for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Crediting Foods Prepared on Site for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Crediting Foods Prepared on Site for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Crediting Foods for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Crediting Foods for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
D
- Diabetes (CSDE's Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Dietary Guidance (see Resource List for Dietary Guidance and Nutrition Information)
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA)
- Dietary Specifications (Nutrition Standards for School Meals) (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Program webpage)
- Disaster Response (USDA Memo SP 46-2014, CACFP 12-2014 and SFSP 18-2014: Disaster Response)
- Disclosure
- Disclosure Requirements (USDA Memo SP 16-2016, CACFP 06-2016 and SFSP 10-2016: Disclosure Requirements for the Child Nutrition Programs)
- Disclosure Release Request for Free or Reduced Eligibility Status (CSDE)
- Direct Certification for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Donating Foods (USDA Memo SP 11-2012, CACFP 05-2012 and SFSP 07-2012: Guidance on the Food Donation Program in Child Nutrition Programs)
E
- Eligibility for Free and Reduced-price Meals and Milk in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Eligibility Manual for School Meals (USDA)
- Equipment Purchase Prior Approval Process (CSDE)
- Evaluating Foods for Compliance with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards (CSDE)
- Exemption Requests (see Waivers)
- Exemptions for Foods and Beverages in Public Schools (CSDE)
F
- Farm to School (CSDE) (Also see Put Local on Your Tray)
- Field Trips
- Final Rules (USDA) (CSDE's Laws and Regulations for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Financial Management Resources (see Resource List for Child Nutrition Programs)
- Federal Register Documents for School Meals (National Archives)
- FNS Instructions for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Food Allergies (CSDE's Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Food and Beverage List (see List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages)
- Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) (USDA National Agricultural Library)
- Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Food Distribution Program (USDA Foods) (CSDE)
- Food Labels (CSDE's Nutrition Education webpage)
- Food Production (see Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Programs)
- Food Recalls (CSDE's Food Safety for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Food Rewards
- Alternatives to Food Rewards (CSDE)
- More resources for alternatives to food rewards (see Resource List for Wellness Policies in Schools and Child Care)
- Food Safety
- Food Service Management Company (CSDE)
- Forms for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Free and Reduced-price Meals (see Eligibility for Free and Reduced-price Meals and Milk in School Nutrition Programs)
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) (CSDE)
- Fruits Component
- Fruits Component for Grades K-12 (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Fruits Component for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Fundraising with Foods and Beverages
- Healthy Fundraising (CSDE)
- Fundraisers: Requirements for Foods and Beverages (CSDE's Competitive Foods in Schools webpage)
G
- Gardens (see School Gardens)
- Geographic Preference (CSDE's Procurement for School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Gluten Intolerance (CSDE's Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Grain Ounce Equivalents
- Grains Component
- Grains Component for Grades K-12 (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Grains Component for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Guides (see Manuals and Guides for Child Nutrition Programs)
H
- Handwashing (CSDE's Food Safety for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) (CSDE's Food Safety for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Health and Achievement (see Resource List for Health and Achievement)
- Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA)
- Healthy Food Certification (CSDE)
- Hiring Standards (see Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals)
- Homeless Liaison Catalog (CSDE)
- HUSKY Health for Connecticut Children & Adults (Connecticut Department of Social Services)
I
- Income Guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Indirect Cost Guidance (USDA)
- Implementation Timeline for NSLP and SBP Meal Patterns (CSDE)
- Interschool Agreements (see Forms for School Nutrition Programs)
J
- Juice
L
- Laws for Competitive Foods (see Competitive Foods in Schools)
- Laws and Regulations for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Legislation for School Meals (USDA)
- Legumes
- Crediting Legumes in the NSLP and SBP (CSDE)
- See "Legumes (Dried Beans and Peas)" in the CSDE's Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Programs)
- Limited English Proficiency (LEP) (CSDE's Civil Rights for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages (CSDE)
- Lunch Periods (Required Time)
- CSDE Circular Letter C-9: Federal and State Requirements for Provision and Timeframe of Daily Lunch Period for Students
- CSDE Operational Memorandum No. 10-19: Requirements for Lunch Periods in the NSLP
- Making Time for School Lunch (CDC)
- USDA Memo (April 3, 2002): Granting Exemptions to the Lunch Period
M
- Manuals and Guides for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Meal Counting and Claiming for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Meal Modifications (see Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs)
- Meal Patterns
- Meal Pattern Training for School Nutrition Programs (Grades K-12) (CSDE)
- Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Meal Patterns for the Afterschool Snack Program (see Afterschool Snack Program)
- Meal Schedules (see Resource List for Wellness Policies in Schools and Child Care)
- Meal Service for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Meat/Meat Alternates Component
- Meat/Meat Alternates Component for Grades K-12 (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Meat/Meat Alternates Component for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Medical Statements (CSDE's Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Menu Planning
- Menu Planning for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Menu Planning Guide for Preschoolers in the NSLP, SBP, and ASP (CSDE)
- Menu Planning Guide for School Meals for Grades K-12 (CSDE)
- Menu Planning for Grades K-12 in the NSLP (CSDE)
- Menu Planning for Grades K-12 in the SBP (CSDE)
- Menu Planning Resources for School Meals (CSDE)
- Menu Planning Worksheets for USDA Meal Pattern Compliance (see USDA Meal Pattern Compliance Worksheets)
- Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Milk Component
- Milk Component for Grades K-12 (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Milk Component for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Monitoring Forms (CSDE's Forms for School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- MyPlate Opens in a new window (USDA)
N
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (CSDE)
- Noncreditable Foods
- Nondiscrimination Statements (USDA and CSDE)
- Nonprogram Foods
- Nonprogram Pricing Worksheet: Adult Meals (CSDE)
- Nonprogram Pricing Worksheet: A La Carte Sales (CSDE)
- Nonprogram Revenue Calculator (USDA)
- Nonprogram Revenue Tool for Five-day Reference Period (Kansas Department of Education)
- NSLP Regulations 7 CFR 210.14 (f): Revenue from Non-Program Foods
- USDA Memo SP 20-2016: Nonprofit School Food Service Account Nonprogram Food Revenue Requirements
- USDA Memo SP 13-2014: School Food Service Account Revenue from the Sale of Nonprogram Foods
- USDA Memo SP 39-2011: Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Guidance on Paid Lunch Equity and Revenue from Nonprogram Foods
- Nutrient Analysis
- Child Nutrition Database: Required in USDA-approved nutrient analysis software for the NSLP and SBP (USDA)
- USDA TA 01-2020: Twenty-third Release of the Child Nutrition Database (CNDB)
- FoodData Central (USDA)
- Nutrient Analysis Software Approved by USDA
- See "Nutrient Analysis" in the CSDE's Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Programs
- Child Nutrition Database: Required in USDA-approved nutrient analysis software for the NSLP and SBP (USDA)
- Nutrition Education and Information
- Nutrition Education (CSDE)
- Nutrition Information (see Resource List for Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition Information)
- Resource List for Nutrition Education (CSDE)
- Resources for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods
- Nutrition Standards for School Meals
O
- Obesity Data and Prevention Strategies (see Resource List for Obesity Data and Prevention)
- Off-site Meal Consumption (see Field Trips)
- Online Agreements and Claiming (see CNP System)
- Offer versus Serve for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Operational Memoranda for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Ounce Equivalents for Grains (see Grain Ounce Equivalents)
P
- Paid Lunch Equity
- CSDE Operational Memorandum No. 08-20: Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for School Year 2020-21
- Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet (USDA)
- Paid Lunch Equity Calculations and Tool 2020-21 (USDA)
- USDA Memo SP 07-2020: Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for School Year 2020-21
- USDA Memo SP 39-2011: Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Guidance on Paid Lunch Equity and Revenue from Nonprogram Food
- Paid Lunch Price Report (USDA Memo SP 12-2017)
- Physical Activity and Physical Education (see Resource List for Physical Education and Physical Activity in Schools and Child Care)
- Policy Memos for School Meals: NSLP, SBP and SMP (USDA)
- Policies for School Wellness (see School Wellness Policies)
- Policies for Special Diets (see Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs)
- Portion Control (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Portion Guides for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (see Menu Planning for Child Nutrition Programs)
- Preschool Meal Patterns (see Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs)
- Preschoolers Eating with Other Grades (Comingled Meals) (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Procedural Safeguards: Requirements for Procedural Safeguards for Meal Modifications in School Nutrition Programs
- Procurement for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Product Formulation Statements
- Production Records for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals (CSDE)
- Put Local On Your Tray (UCONN)
Q
- Qualifications for food service staff (see Resource List for Child Nutrition Programs)
- Qualified Food Operator (QFO) (CSDE's Food Safety Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Questions and Answers
- Questions and Answers on Connecticut Statutes for School Foods and Beverages (CSDE)
- Questions and Answers on Smart Snacks (CSDE)
- Questions and Answers on the School Breakfast Program (SBP) Meal Requirements for School Year 2014-15
- USDA Memo SP 10-2017 and SFSP 06-2017: Meal Service Requirements in the Summer Meal Programs
- USDA Memo SP 23-2017: Unpaid Meal Charges: Guidance and Q&A
- USDA Memo SP 26-2014: New Questions and Answers Related to the Certification of Compliance with NSLP Meal Requirements
- USDA Memo SP 37-2017: Flexibility for Co-Mingled Preschool Meals" Questions and Answers
- USDA Memo SP 37-2019 and CACFP 16-2019: Questions and Answers on the Final Rule Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements
- USDA Memo SP 05-2020: Questions & Answers Regarding Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Program Personnel
- USDA Memo SP 38-2019: Meal Requirements under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Questions and Answers for Program Operators
- USDA Memo SP 54-2016: Community Eligibility Provision: Guidance and Updated Q&As
R
- Recess before Lunch (see Resource List for Physical Education and Physical Activity in Schools and Child Care)
- Recipes
- Crediting Foods Prepared On Site (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Recipes (CSDE's Menu Planning for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Regulations for Child Nutrition Programs
- Reimbursement Rates for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Requirements for Competitive Foods (see Competitive Foods in Schools)
- Requirements for School Meals (see Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs and Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs)
- Resources for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Resources for Healthy Foods and Beverages in Schools (CSDE)
- Revenue from Nonprogram Foods (see Nonprogram Foods)
S
- Salad Bars
- Salad Bar Resources (CSDE's Menu Planning for Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- USDA Memo SP 41-2019: Salad Bars in the NSLP
- Saturated Fat in School Meals (see Dietary Specifications (Nutrition Standards for School Meals))
- School Breakfast Program (SBP) (CSDE)
- School Gardens (CSDE's Farm to School webpage)
- School Lunch Tray and Table Talk (CSDE)
- School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- School Stores: Requirements for Foods and Beverages (CSDE's Competitive Foods in Schools webpage)
- School Wellness Policies (CSDE)
- Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the NSLP (CSDE)
- Share Tables (CSDE Operational Memorandum No. 06-16)
- Signage and Posters (See Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Programs)
- Six Cents Certification for Meal Pattern Compliance (CSDE's Certification of Meal Pattern Compliance for School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Smart Snacks Nutrition Standards (CSDE)
- Smarter Lunchrooms (CSDE)
- Smoothies (see Fruits Component for Grades K-12 or Fruits Component for Preschoolers)
- SNAP/TFA Case Number Guidance (CSDE)
- Sodium in School Meals (see Dietary Specifications (Nutrition Standards for School Meals))
- Special Diets in School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- Special Milk Program (CSDE)
- Standard Operating Procedures (ICN)
- Standardized Recipes
- Standardized Recipes (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Standardized Recipe Form for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- State Board of Education Position Statements (CSDE)
- State Laws (see Laws and Regulations for Child Nutrition Programs)
- State Statute for Nutritious Low-fat Foods (C.G.S. Section 10-221p) (CSDE)
- Sugar Limits for Preschool Menus (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (CSDE)
- Summer Meals on the Move (CSDE)
T
- Team Nutrition Opens in a new window (USDA)
- Temperatures for food safety (CSDE's Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Thermometers (CSDE's Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Time for Lunch (see Lunch Periods (Required Time))
- Training for Child Nutrition Programs (CSDE webpage)
- Trans Fat in School Meals (see Dietary Specifications (Nutrition Standards for School Meals))
U
- Unpaid Meal Charges (USDA)
- USDA Foods (see Food Distribution Program)
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service
- USDA Meal Pattern Compliance Worksheets (see Certification of Meal Pattern Compliance for School Nutrition Programs)
- USDA Policy Memos (see Policy Memos for School Meals)
- USDA NSLP Regulations (see Regulations for the NSLP)
V
- Vegetable Subgroups in the NSLP (CSDE)
- Vegetables Component
- Vegetables Component for Grades K-12 (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Vegetables Component for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Vegetarian Meals (see Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Program)
- Vending Machines
- USDA Memo SP 28-2016, CACFP 09-2016 and SFSP 11-2016: FDA Requirements for Vending Machines;
- USDA Memo SP 13-2008: Use of Vending Machines in the School Meal Programs
- USDA Memo SP 03-2007: Vending Machines in the School Meal Programs
- Vending Machines: Requirements for Foods and Beverages (CSDE's Competitive Foods in Schools webpage)
- Vendors (see Food Service Management Company)
- Verification Procedures for School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
W
- Waivers
- Lunch Period Waiver: See CSDE Circular Letter C-9: Federal and State Requirements for Provision and Timeframe of Daily Lunch Period for Students
- Meal Pattern Exemption for RCCIs with Multiple Age Groups
- USDA Nationwide COVID-19 Waivers for School Year 2020-21 ("Operation of Child Nutrition Programs during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreaks" section of CSDE's Child Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Weekend or Vacation Waiver: See FNS 786-7 Rev. 2: Reimbursement for Meals and Milk Served on Weekends
- Water Availability
- USDA Memo SP 28-2011: Water Availability During NSLP Meal Service
- USDA Memo SP 39-2019: Clarification on the Milk and Water Requirements in the School Meal Program
- USDA Memo SP 49-2016 and CACFP 18-2016: Resources for Making Potable Water Available in Schools and Child Care Facilities
- Resources for promoting water in schools (see "Water Availability" in the CSDE's Resource List for Child Nutrition Programs)
- Webinars (see Training for Child Nutrition Programs)
- Weights and Measures (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Wellness Policies (see School Wellness Policies)
- What's for Breakfast: Meeting the SBP meal pattern requirements for grades K-12 (see Meal Pattern Training for School Nutrition Programs)
- What's for Lunch: Meeting the NSLP meal pattern requirements for grades K-12 (see Meal Pattern Training for School Nutrition Programs)
- Whole Grain-rich Requirement
- Whole Grain-rich Requirement for Grades K-12 (CSDE's Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Whole Grain-rich Requirement for Preschoolers (CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage)
- Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (CSDE)