Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Guidance for USDA Foods in FSMC Contracts


Nutrition Services Division Management Bulletin
Purpose: Policy, Beneficial Information

To: Food Distribution Program Recipient Agencies

Number: USDA-FDP-02-2011

Attention: Food Program Director

Date: May 2011

Subject: Guidance in Crediting for, and Use of, U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods in Contracts with Food Service Management Companies–Questions and Answers

Reference: Revised USDA Policy Memo FD-080, Subpart D of Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 250

This Management Bulletin (MB) notifies Food Distribution Program Recipient Agencies that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a Policy Memo clarifying guidance in ensuring compliance with requirements in Subpart D of Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 250 with respect to crediting for, and use of, USDA Foods in contracts with food service management companies (FSMC). The policy memo is written in a question and answer format and is available at the USDA Web page http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pmfd080rev_NSLP-SFSP-CACFP_DonatedFoodswithFSMCsJan2011.pdf.

If you have any questions regarding this MB, please contact Amy Bell, Child Nutrition Consultant, Commodity Distribution Unit, by phone at 916-322-5051, toll-free at 800-952-5609, or by e-mail at abell@cde.ca.gov or Sherry Tam, Child Nutrition Consultant, Commodity Distribution Unit, by phone at 916-324-9875, toll-free at 800-952-5609, or by e-mail at stam@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, April 01, 2025
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Public Comment–Expanding Fluid Milk Options (added 01-Jun-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture invites public comment on the final rule codifying expanded fluid milk options Child Nutrition Program providers, following enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.
  • Annual FDP Contract Packet Update Due July 31 (added 29-May-2026)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) reminds all participating agencies to submit their 2026–27 Food Distribution Program (FDP) contract in CNIPS by July 31, 2026.
  • Free Virtual Training Opportunities (added 29-May-2026)
    CalFresh Healthy Living Statewide Training is offering partners five new free training opportunities. Trainings include a combination of self-paced work and live online meetings, which include trauma-informed approaches, when possible.
  • State and Federal Emergency Declarations (added 28-May-2026)
    State and Federal Emergency Declarations due to Orange County Chemical Incident.
  • Updated UBA Template Now Available (added 28-May-2026)
    The California Department of Education is pleased to announce that an updated version of the Universal Benefits Application for the SUN Bucks program is now available.