Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Guidance, Manuals, and Resources

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

Guidance

General Information Sheets
Information to assist sponsors with program administration.

FDP General Information Sheets
Information to assist processors with program compliance.

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 Alerts

Manuals

Food Distribution Program Assistance Manual
Information and guidance for agencies that receive foods through the Food Distribution Program.

Disaster Resources

USDA Disaster GuidanceExternal link opens in new window or tab.
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: Thursday, March 16, 2023
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.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule (added 19-Sep-2023)
    On August 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service released SP 21-2023, Initial Implementation Memorandum: Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule.
  • Upcoming Webinars and Team Nutrition Materials (added 19-Sep-2023)
    The USDA’s Team Nutrition (TN) initiative is excited to share three upcoming webinar opportunities and a reminder to order TN’s print materials for National School Lunch Week, which is October 9-13, 2023.
  • Net Cash Resources and Allowable Costs Reminder (added 19-Sep-2023)
    Program operators that have NCR of six months or more average operating expenses are required to have a budget agreement. Program operators are reminded that cafeteria funds are to be used for the operation and improvement of school food service.
  • Governor Newsom Expands State of Emergency (added 14-Sep-2023)
    Governor Newsom Expands State of Emergency Due to Tropical Storm Hilary Impacts in Siskiyou County.
  • Webinar: KIT Freshly Prepared Onsite Meal Criteria (added 12-Sep-2023)
    This announcement provides information on how to register for the KIT Freshly Prepared Onsite Meal Criteria webinar.