Meal Programs - CalEdFacts

This content is part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.

On an average day in California, over 5 million nutritious meals are served at over 12,000 locations. These meals are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, and the Summer Food Service Program. The California Department of Education (CDE) disburses over $4 billion in federal and state funds to support schools, parks, and other eligible community agencies in providing nutritious meals and snacks. In 2023–24, the CDE distributed over $216 million in USDA Foods to eligible public and private nonprofit agencies throughout the state for use in preparing meals.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Monday, May 12, 2025

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Related Content

After School
Provides after school program operators with background information, a comparison chart of available programs, meal pattern charts, directions on how to apply, claiming instructions, policy guidance, resources, and more.
Food Programs
Child nutrition programs data and statistics, including county profiles, free and reduced price data, school meal nutrition analysis, and summer meal service sites.
School Nutrition
Meal and milk programs offered at public and private non-profit schools and residential child care institutions.
Summer Meal Programs
Federal meal programs for children from low-income areas during vacation and off-track periods, including summertime.

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

2026–27 CNP Reimbursement Rates (added 20-Feb-2026)
Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal reimbursement rates.
CS Beef Packers Recalls Ground Beef Due to E. Coli (added 12-Feb-2026)
CS Beef Packers, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli Contamination.
Honoring Cultural Preferences in School Nutrition (added 12-Feb-2026)
The webinar highlights best practices for incorporating student cultural food preferences honoring Black voice and other cultures, in menu offerings, strengthen student trust and engagement, and support equity in school meal participation.
Rural Non-congregate Meal Service Option Webinar (added 12-Feb-2026)
The California Department of Education will host a Summer Meals Rural Non-congregate Meal Service Option webinar on Wednesday, March 4 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
National Nutrition Month 2026 (added 10-Feb-2026)
The Nutrition Services Division encourages program operators to participate in the National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week.

National Nutrition Month 2026 Letter (added 10-Feb-2026)
The Nutrition Services Division encourages program operators to participate in the National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week.
Availability of the 2026-27 Breakfast Grant (added 06-Feb-2026)
The final reminder for School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Start-up and Expansion Grants, administered by the California Department of Education, provide schools with funding to start-up or expand their SBP and SMP.
2026 SUN Bucks Implementation Webinar (added 05-Feb-2026)
Register for the 2026 SUN Bucks Implementation Webinar.
Availability of the 2026-27 Breakfast Grant (added 02-Feb-2026)
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Start-up and Expansion Grants, administered by the California Department of Education, provide schools with funding to start-up or expand their SBP and SMP.
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 (added 30-Jan-2026)
Key updates to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 such as fluid milk requirements, fluid milk substitutes, and dietary specifications for saturated fat.