Overview

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is charged with administering the Food Distribution Program which is one of USDA's nutrition assistance programs offering donated commodity meats, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products.

Through the Food Distribution Program, USDA purchases foods through direct appropriations from Congress, and under surplus removal and price support activities. The foods are distributed to State agencies for use by eligible local outlets, including schools.

Programs 

Several programs are available through the Food Distribution Program:

Schools

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• School Breakfast Program (SBP)

Recipes

The Commodity Recipe Exchange is an interactive resource for school food service personnel to find new and different ways to prepare commodities and other foods. It is also a place for schools to share creative and innovative recipes that have been well-received by their students.

Some recipes are ideal for new or hard-to-use commodities, while others introduce regional tastes and new creations for familiar foods to schools across the country. Every recipe contains at least one USDA commodity offered to States for schools and institutions participating in USDA's food assistance programs.