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Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study

This study is the first nationally representative, comprehensive assessment of the school meal programs since the updated nutrition standards for school meals were phased in beginning School Year 2012-2013. A study methodology report that describes the study design, sampling and data collection and a summary report that provides a brief overview of the study and key findings from the various reports are also available.

10/19/2021
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Evaluation of the School Meal Data Collection Process

The Evaluation of the School Meal Data Collection Process study describes and evaluates the methodologies and processes used by schools, school food authorities and state agencies to collect and report data on three FNS forms used for the federal school meal programs: the Report of School Program Operations (FNS-10), the SFA Verification Collection Report (FNS-742), and the State Agency Direct Certification Rate Data Element Report (FNS-834). In addition to describing the processes, the study identifies potential sources of error when completing the three forms and provides useful practices and recommendations for improving data collection processes.

08/07/2019
Resource | Nutrition Education Fueling My Healthy Life

Project-based learning and technology to engage students in nutrition education while meeting educational standards for English and Health.

08/18/2022
Resource | Nutrition Education Start Right With Breakfast

Fueling my healthy life.

05/26/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Offer Versus Serve Materials

These materials can be used as tools to educate students and school nutrition professionals on Offer vs Serve.

09/25/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Materiales de Ofrecer versus Servir

Estos materiales se pueden utilizar como herramientas para educar a los estudiantes y a los profesionales de la nutrición escolar sobre Ofrecer versus Servir (OVS, por sus siglas en inglés).

10/03/2023
Resource | Research | Impacts/Evaluations Successful Approaches to Reduce Sodium in School Meals Study

This study was designed to provide information on (1) the market availability of foods that meet the sodium standards for school meal programs set by regulation in 2012, (2) the strategies most often used by schools that have met the sodium targets, and (3) the technical assistance needs of schools and districts working to develop lower sodium menus.

06/27/2019
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Evaluation of the Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Demonstration - Year 1

FNS conducted a study of the first two years of this demonstration to describe the implementation process and explore the effects on certification, participation, federal reimbursements, and state administrative costs. This report presents the findings from the first year of the demonstration evaluation, school year 2016–17.

08/30/2019
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Child Nutrition Program Operations Study II, SY 2015-16

The Child Nutrition Program Operations Study II (CN-OPS II) is a multiyear study that provides FNS with information on current state agency and school food authority policies, practices, and needs related to school nutrition service operations, financial management, meal counting, training and professional standards, food service equipment, and technology. 

12/18/2019
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance OVS Elementary School Breakfast Poster

This poster is used to educate elementary students in selecting a reimbursable breakfast under Offer versus Serve.

FNS-815
09/25/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021