October 2026 Monthly Newsletter

USDA’s Team Nutrition is pleased to announce the release of nutrition education and training resources designed to help Child Nutrition Program operators promote the clear, common-sense message of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030: Eat real food. These resources focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods.

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On September 30, 2026, USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) released SP11-2026, CACFP 05-2026, SFSP 05-2026, Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in the Child Nutrition Programs. This memorandum provides information on the direct final rule published by FNA on September 9, 2026, titled, Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs (91 FR 57245) effective November 9, 2026.

The rule does not change policy or implementation — it simply clarifies existing requirements to make the geographic preference option easier to understand and use the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. This rule also supports USDA’s Harvest to Hallways Initiative to improve school meals and strengthen the connection between American agriculture and America’s children.