Federal Register #FNS-2025-0013

Amendment to Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs

The Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Administration is amending procurement regulations for child nutrition programs to clarify and expand geographic preference options. - Government Buyer: - Department of Agriculture - Food and Nutrition Administration - Programs Affected: - National School Lunch Program - School Breakfast Program - Special Milk Program for Children - Child and Adult Care Program - Summer Food Service Program - Products/Services Requested: - No specific products, part numbers, or quantities listed - Focus is on local, unprocessed agricultural products - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Geographic preference can be applied as a product specification or scoring advantage - Operators have flexibility to define 'local' and apply preference strategies - Rule aims to support local farmers and small businesses, increase market opportunities, and simplify regulations - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors mentioned

Description

This direct final rule by the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Administration amends geographic preference options in several child nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Program, and Summer Food Service Program. The amendments aim to simplify the regulations without changing their meaning or implementation, making them easier to understand and apply. The rule clarifies how geographic preference can be applied as a product specification or a defined scoring advantage during procurement to encourage the purchase of local, unprocessed agricultural products. The rule supports local farmers and small businesses by increasing market opportunities and is effective November 9, 2026, with comments due by October 9, 2026.

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