 Frequently Asked Questions: Q: I have always been told that vending machines must be turned off during lunch serving times. Is this true? A: If the vending machine(s) only vend pop then the answer is yes as pop is considered to be a food of minimal nutritional value (FMNV). If the vending machine(s) vend other foods that are not FMNV then it is permissible to leave these on during serving times. Although the foods in the vending machines are still in competition with reimbursable meals, as long as the foods in the vending machines are not considered to be foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) the regulations for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) do not prohibit the sale of these foods. The NSLP and SBP regulations prohibit the sale of FMNV where a reimbursable meal is sold or eaten during meal periods. Foods listed as a FMNV are restricted because they do not provide at least 5 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for any one of several key nutrients. For further guidance on this subject refer to NSLP Memo #63 titled: “Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) (Prohibition of Pop and Other FMNV in the Lunchroom). Q: What is a CN Label? How do I get one for the products I’m using in the meal service? A: CN Label stands for Child Nutrition Label and is a voluntary federal labeling program for the Child Nutrition Programs. Products that display a CN Label have been evaluated by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine their contribution toward the meal pattern requirements under the food-based menu planning options of the Child Nutrition Programs. CN labeled products are usually packaged in bulk quantities. These foods are commonly purchased by schools and institutions that serve meals to large groups of people. CN labeled products are not typically found in neighborhood grocery stores. If the CN Label does not appear on the box the product was packed in or on the product wrapper, you can contact the food broker or manufacturer of that product to receive a copy of the label. CN labels do not address the nutritional value of a product. They only address a product’s contribution to the meal pattern. The purpose of a CN label is not to provide nutrition information. For information on the food’s nutritive value, review the “Nutrition Facts” label, the ingredient list and/or the manufacturer’s nutrient analysis sheet.
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