PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
CHILD NUTRITION:
SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMS:
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION
(Updated 11/16/11)

School Nutrition Programs: Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Contracts & Information
U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented some changes that must be reflected in the bid procedures, documents and contracts. This requires all schools that contract with a FSMC to go out to bid using the new documents and meeting the regulatory requirements. Revised procedures, documents and guidance are posted below.

• FSMC Guidance for School Food Authorities PDF
  
  
• Food Service Management Contract RFP Template
  • Printable (Print-out and Fill-in by Hand) PDF
  • Editable (Fill-in Electronically and Print) WORD
  
  
• SFA-FSMC Prototype Contract
  • Printable (Print-out and Fill-in by Hand) PDF
  • Editable (Fill-in Electronically and Print) WORD
    
    
• Prototype SFA-FSMC Contract Document Checklist:  Instructions
  
  • Printable (Print-out and Fill-in by Hand) PDF
  • Editable (Fill-in Electronically and Print) WORD
    
    
• FSMC Registration Form PDF

Meal Planning
Schools have three main options for planning school meals: the traditional food-based system, the enhanced food-based system which was created in 1992 to increase the likelihood that school meals will meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the specific nutrient standards for each type of school meal, and nutrient standard menu planning which uses a computer-based nutrient analysis program to plan menus that contain the correct nutrient content to meet the nutrient standards.

• Traditional Food-Based Menu Planning Guidelines PDF 
• Enhanced Food-Based Menu Planning Guidelines PDF 
• Nutrient Standard Menu Planning Guidelines PDF 

On-site Monitoring Form PDF 
School Food Authorities (SFAs) that have more than one site, and those that contract with a food service management company (whether or not there are more than one site), must conduct and document an on-site monitoring of the meal count system. The on-site monitoring must be completed by Febraury 1 each year. This form allows schools to document compliance with this requirement.

Program Application and Annual Renewal
Schools that participate in a child nutrition program must complete an on-line application and then annually renew that application. The on-line system is also the mechanism for submitting monthly claims for reimbursement.

• Renewals for the 2010- 2011 School Year PDF
  View the memo dated August 19, 2010.
• Initial Application PDF 
  This form is used by schools that want to start a new school meals program.
• CNP Web Online User Manual PDF
• Password Verification & Request Form PDF 
  In order to get into the on-line system a password is required. This form allows a new employee to apply for a password.

School Wellness Policies/Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment
In its 2004 reauthorization of the National School Lunch Program, Congress added a requirement that school districts must establish a school wellness policy.

• Language of the Reauthorization Law PDF 
• Vermont Nutrition and Fitness Policy Guidelines (October 2008) PDF
  This document is the result of the collaboration between the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the departments of Education and Health, as required by Act 161 of the 2004 session of the Vermont Legislature. The guidelines are based on the recommendations of nationally recognized authorities, including the Surgeon General of the United States, the National Association of State Boards of Education, the American Dietetics Association and the National Association of Sports and Physical Education. In 2008, Appendix B and Appendix C of the guidelines were revised and consolidated into one Appendix B as required by Act 203 of the 2008 session of the Vermont legislature. The changes address competitive foods sold through the food service program, through vending machines, or through any other venue in the school.
• Act 145 Report (Act 145: An Act Relating to Use of Vermont Products and Nutrition Education in Schools) PDF 
  This document provides information about the number of school districts that have or have not adopted a wellness policy and a detailed review of the adopted policies from a minimum of 10% of the schools that reported having a policy in place. All schools that receive federal funds for breakfast and/or lunch programs were required to adopt a wellness policy by the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year.

Food Safety
Section 111 of the 2004 Child Nutrition Reauthorization law focuses on food safety. In addition to changes related to food safety inspections, a new requirement was added. Schools are required to develop and implement a food safety program for the preparation and service of school meals served to children. This food safety program must be based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and conform to guidance issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Language of the Reauthorization Law PDF 
• Action Plan for Implementing a HACCP Based Food Safety Program PDF 
  This document helps schools plan their HACCP based good safety program and make sure that their food safety program includes the required components.
• Guidance for School Food Authorities: Developing a School Food Safety Program Based on the Process Approach to HACCP Principles (PDF) OSL
  This USDA manual provides detailed information on the required components of a food safety program.
• Handbook for Developing a School Food Safety Program (PDF) OSL
  Information in this document includes various tools, including worksheets and templates for implementing a food safety program.

Program Eligibility Information
Policy & Administration | Publications & Resources

School Nutrition Programs | Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
After School Snack Program
Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP)

Child Nutrition

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