K-12 Documentation

According to the USDA, schools are required to keep documentation on file for two types of items:

Child Nutrition (CN) labeled items

  • Items that may contain a CN label include:

    • Main dishes that contribute to the meat/meat alternate component of the meal pattern

Processed items that contribute to the meal pattern but are not CN labeled

  • A Product Formulation Statement (PFS) is required for these items

  • PFS: signed statement on manufacturer’s letterhead, demonstrates how the product contributes to meal pattern requirements

The USDA encourages schools to obtain documentation directly off the package whenever possible. In the event that you are unable to obtain adequate information from the packaging, Gordon Food Service has collected CN labels and PFSs directly from the manufacturer for your reference.

Below are documentation files for K-12 items stocked at Gordon Food Service. They're sorted by reorder number. You can also view the entire list directly in a new tab.

CN Labeled Items by Item Code:

In order to quickly locate the item you are looking for use CTRL+F on your keyboard. A small box will appear for you on the page to type in the GFS item code. This will review the list below and locate that specific item for you.

We've also created a short video with step-by-step instructions on how to find your nutritional information on this new site.

If no result is found, the manufacturer did not provide proper documentation; please reach out to the manufacturer directly for further information.

Manufacturer contact information

According to USDA regulations, documentation is not required for:

  • Items that do not contribute to the meal pattern
    Examples: salad dressing, cream cheese, bacon, pudding

  • Unprocessed items that have a standard meal pattern contribution
    Examples: fruits, vegetables, rice, bread, milk, cheese, whole cuts of meat

For these items, reference the USDA Food Buying Guide:

https://foodbuyingguide.fns.usda.gov/

Information from this site should be used as reference only, not for documenting federal meal requirements. Please be aware that manufacturers may change formulations; the actual food label on the product will be the most current information and should always be referenced first. Gordon Food Service will update this page on an annual basis. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact the Nutrition Resource Center at 1-800-968-4426 or nrc@gfs.com.

Gordon Food Service has collected specification sheets for CN labeled products directly from the third-party product manufacturer and/or supplier. The specification sheets were not in any way created or verified by GFS. The food label on the product should always be referenced for CN information.

The information is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon for documenting federal meal requirements. GFS in no way guarantees the accuracy or completeness of this information and NO WARRANTIES ARE MADE OR IMPLIED; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

Buy American

The Buy American Provision safeguards the health and well-being of our Nation’s children and supports the U.S. economy, American farmers, and small and local agricultural businesses. The National School Lunch Act requires school food authorities (SFAs) to purchase, to the maximum extent practicable, domestic commodities or products.

Buy American Provision fact sheet