The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution or USDA Foods Program provides foods such as protein foods, fruit and vegetables, poultry and eggs, nuts, grains, oils and cheese to eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Public and private schools, Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs), and approved state agencies that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to receive foods purchased by USDA. Sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) may also receive USDA foods as well as some Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) institutions.

Entitlement Amounts

Entitlement amounts are based on LEAs Total Lunches Served (TLS) from the previous school year. The Planned Assistance Level (PAL) for SY 2018-19 is $0.3425. SFSP sponsors receive entitlement based on 1.5 cents per meal served the previous summer and CACFP sponsors may receive cash in lieu for USDA foods.

Application and Requirements

Food Distribution Tools and Resources

• Correspondence and Updates
• Food Safety – Holds/Recalls
• DoD Fresh and USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot
• Nutrition Fact Sheets for State Processed Items
• Resources/Training Materials
• Surveys, Ordering and Receiving

Advisory Council

The USDA Foods Advisory Council serves to assist the State Agency in decisions regarding USDA Foods. Council members help provide feedback and guidance for the state agency.

• Council Members

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.