USDA Foods Processing Program

Information regarding processing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) foods into more usable end products.

Processing Information

Processing allows schools to send United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods to processors who have been approved by the state or the USDA. Processors must meet specific requirements and are regularly reviewed by the state or the USDA.

Processors are required to have an approved agreement on file in order to participate in the program. The agreement includes end product data schedules, a list of end products available, and nutrition and labeling information.

Processing allows agencies to better utilize USDA Foods by converting them into more convenient and usable items. Processing often makes the most efficient use of USDA Foods by reducing waste, stabilizing food costs through portion control, providing a variety of food choices, and increasing food safety.

2023–24 Approved Processor Listing (XLSX)
Processors approved to process USDA Foods.

USDA Foods Processors’ Consultant Assignments

Food Distribution Program General Information Sheets
Information to assist processors with program compliance.

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

USDA Foods Processing Information
Information on processing USDA Foods

Questions: Food Distribution Program | 916-324-7132

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, June 13, 2023

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

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.

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas Q&A #2 (added 18-Apr-2024)
The USDA announced the release of an updated policy memorandum, SFSP 08- 2024, SP 15-2024: Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas Questions and Answers #2.
President Biden Approves Disaster Relief (added 16-Apr-2024)
President Biden approves California disaster for Butte, Glenn, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Sutter, and Ventura counties.
Child Nutrition Database, Release 27 (added 15-Apr-2024)
Notification to agencies about the release of the Child Nutrition Database, Release 27 availability.
FDP Contract Packet Update for SY 2024–25 (added 15-Apr-2024)
Food Distribution Program Contract Packet Update in CNIPS for SY 2024–25.
Rural Non-congregate Meals Listening Session (added 11-Apr-2024)
The CDE will host a Listening Session on Tuesday, April 30 from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm on the rural non-congregate meal service option for summer meal programs.

Summer Meals Turnip the Beet Award Winners 2023 (added 09-Apr-2024)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the 2023 Turnip the Beet award winners on March 13, 2024.
2022 KIT $15 Million Funding Award Available (added 09-Apr-2024)
Announcement regarding the availability of the 2022 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training fund, $15 million residual award amounts, including information on the timing of payment, accounting information, and use of funds.
School Lunch Hero Day—May 3, 2024 (added 05-Apr-2024)
The School Food Hero Day is May 3, 2024. This month is the perfect time to celebrate and recognize the role that food service professionals play in supporting student health, school meals, and learning.
S-EBT Notification for CALPADS Administrators (added 04-Apr-2024)
CALPADS Flash #269 sent on March 19, 2024. This Flash provides information for CALPADS administrators about the process of collecting data for the upcoming 2024 Summer EBT Program (also known as SUNBucks).
Summer Feeding Options for Summer 2024 Operations (added 04-Apr-2024)
As many school food authorities begin planning for summer 2024 operations, the CDE is providing this communication to highlight the differences between various summer feeding options.