The final rule “Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010” (80 FR 11077) established hiring and training standards that became effective July 1, 2015. The professional standards are intended to ensure that State and local school nutrition program personnel in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs have the knowledge and skills to manage and operate the programs correctly and successfully. This memorandum and attachment update and replace the FNS SP 39-2015, Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, June 26, 2015.

This updated version includes several new questions that reflect operators’ experience in the first year of implementation. [New/Revised] appears next to the new or significantly revised questions.

The attached questions have been grouped under five headings: Hiring Standards, Training Standards, Oversight, Food Service Management Companies, and Miscellaneous. FNS will revise this document as needed to address other questions as they arise. The final rule, a training tracking tool, a database of training materials and opportunities, and other resources are available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/professional-standards.

Related Content: NSLP and SBP State Agency Memos