Food Distribution Programs (FDP)
Overview
The Food Distribution Programs (FDP) support domestic nutrition programs and American agricultural producers through purchases of domestic agricultural products for use in schools and institutions participating in federal Child Nutrition Programs. The agricultural commodities made available to sponsors through the FDP are referred to as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods and help reduce the cost of preparing program meals.
The USDA has an established rate by which State Agencies earn entitlement dollars based on the total number of lunches served by sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The State Agency distributes entitlement dollars to sponsors based on prior year meal counts and surveys to determine available items to be ordered. State agency staff adjust orders according to sponsor needs, coordinate and verify orders, and coordinate the shipment and delivery to NSLP and SFSP sponsors. The State Agency enters into statewide contracts for the storage and delivery of food. Sponsor's use of USDA Foods in meals is monitored at the sponsor and state level.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) center sponsors receive additional reimbursement through the FDP in the form of cash in lieu of commodities which is based on the number of eligible meals served and paid along with their monthly meal reimbursement based on the federally established rate.
Food Distribution Programs (FDP)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
Qualifying and Applying
Sponsors of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) qualify to participate in the Food Distribution Program (FDP) and receive United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods to use in their Child Nutrition Programs.
Contact the Utah State Board of Education Food Distribution Program Specialist no later than December 1 to:
- opt-in or opt-out of utilizing USDA foods after the first year of operating the NSLP
Sponsors must submit an annual USDA Foods Request Survey in late winter/early spring for the following school year.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Sponsors:
- qualify to receive additional reimbursement through the Food Distribution Program in the form of cash in lieu of commodities.
Please contact the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP) for assistance understanding qualification requirements or if you need assistance with the application process.
Forms
Annual Storage Facility Review: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods
Sponsors are required to complete an annual review of storage facilities used for
USDA Foods no later than June 30.
Resources
USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS):
Reimbursement Rates
Food Distribution Program: Value of Donated Foods From July 1, 2023 Through June 30,
2024
Federal Register: The Daily Journal of the United States Government
School Year 2023-2024 per meal rate:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is $0.2950.
- NSLP per meal rate ($0.2950) plus 12% provision dollars for NSLP make the effective NSLP rate $0.3650.
Policy
In coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP) distributes policy memorandums to provide guidance and clarification on program requirements and regulations.
School Meals: Policy
USDA/FNS