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Crediting Documentation for the Child Nutrition Programs

Child Nutrition Labels

The Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program is a voluntary federal labeling program for the Child Nutrition Programs. It is operated by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in collaboration with the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seafood Inspection Program (NOAA SIP). 

The CN label on a product communicates how the product contributes to the USDA's meal pattern requirements for the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). CN-labeled products provide a warranty against audit claims when the product is prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

CN labels are available only for main dish entrees that provide at least ½ ounce equivalent (oz eq) of the meats/meat alternates (MMA)component in the meal patterns for the USDA’s CNPs. CN labels also typically indicate the contribution of other meal components that are part of these products. For example, CN-labeled pizza may list contributions to the MMA, grains, and vegetables components.


CN Labels for CACFP  |   CN Labels for School Nutrition Programs  |   CN Labels for SFSP


CN Labels for CACFP

CN Labels for School Nutrition Programs

CN Labels for SFSP

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