Guidance, Manuals, and Resources

Resources and information regarding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution Program requirements and operations.

Guidance

FDP Management Bulletins
Food Distribution Program management bulletins organized by calendar year.

Proper Storage Temperatures for U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods
Information on storage temperatures and storage guidelines for U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods.

Information Alert: Irradiated Beef (Dated Mar-2005)
United States Department of Agriculture irradiated commodity ground beef.
Information Alert: Fruits and Grains (Dated Mar-2005)
Storage and handling of United States Department of Agriculture commodity dried fruits and grain products.

USDA Disaster Guidance
Food Distribution Program disaster assistance information and other federal links.

Disaster Feeding Guidance for School Food Service Using USDA Foods (PDF)
U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster feeding guidance for school food service using USDA foods.

Questions: Food Distribution Program | 916-324-7132

Last Reviewed: Friday, May 23, 2025

Related Content

Food Distribution
Information about United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food commodities, Department of Defense (DoD) fresh produce, distribution centers, and processing of USDA Foods.

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This management bulletin provides guidance on determining area eligibility for summer meal sites.
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The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) 2026 reimbursement rates are now available.
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School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.
2026–27 CNP Reimbursement Rates (added 20-Feb-2026)
Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal reimbursement rates.
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CS Beef Packers, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli Contamination.

Honoring Cultural Preferences in School Nutrition (added 12-Feb-2026)
The webinar highlights best practices for incorporating student cultural food preferences honoring Black voice and other cultures, in menu offerings, strengthen student trust and engagement, and support equity in school meal participation.
Rural Non-congregate Meal Service Option Webinar (added 12-Feb-2026)
The California Department of Education will host a Summer Meals Rural Non-congregate Meal Service Option webinar on Wednesday, March 4 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
National Nutrition Month 2026 (added 10-Feb-2026)
The Nutrition Services Division encourages program operators to participate in the National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week.
National Nutrition Month 2026 Letter (added 10-Feb-2026)
The Nutrition Services Division encourages program operators to participate in the National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week.
Availability of the 2026-27 Breakfast Grant (added 06-Feb-2026)
The final reminder for School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Start-up and Expansion Grants, administered by the California Department of Education, provide schools with funding to start-up or expand their SBP and SMP.