Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Overview: Competitive Food and Beverage Rules

The School Nutrition Programs Overview, Definitions, and Resources: Competitive Food and Beverage Rules online training.

Course Description

If you sell foods and beverages to students, on school campus, during the school day, and outside of the school meal program, this online training series is for you! As the first of 11 trainings, this course provides an overview of the federal, state, and local competitive food and beverage requirements, including key definitions and resources to help you stay compliant.

  • Course Number: 215

  • Training Length: One hour

  • Certificate: Available at the end of the training

  • Target Audience: Any entity selling foods and beverages to students, on school campus, during the school day, and outside of the federally reimbursable school meal programs

  • Mandatory: No

  • Cost: Free

  • Date Recorded: November 2019

Online Course

Begin the Overview, Definitions, and Resources: Competitive Food and Beverage Rules course

Referenced Resources

The following lists and handouts are referenced throughout this online course:

Crediting

  • Crediting: One hour

  • Key Area: Administration (3000)
    • Training Topic: Program Management (3200)
      • Learning Objective: Healthy School Environment (3230)

For more information on crediting, see the U.S. Department of Agriculture Professional Standards Learning Objectives External link opens in new window or tab.

Additional Information

For more information regarding competitive food and beverage rules, see the CDE Competitive Foods and Beverages web page.

Contact Us

If you have technical difficulties, please contact the Education and Nutrition Policy Unit by phone at 916-445-9127 for assistance. For questions regarding the course content, contact the Competitive Foods team by email at CompetitiveFoods@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Related Content
  • Child Nutrition Programs Course Catalog
    A catalog of online training courses for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Child Nutrition Programs Resource Library
    A library of online resources for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Competitive Foods and Beverages
    Information on competitive foods and beverages including definitions, background, compliance, resources, policy guidance, and frequently asked questions for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
  • Food Service Staff Education and Training
    Information for new School Nutrition Program (SNP) professionals and an overview of the School Nutrition and Summer Nutrition Programs, online trainings, resources, and program contact information.
  • Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education
    Information about improving nutrition and establishing healthy eating habits in school, child care, adult and after school settings.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Annual SNP Verification Requirements (added 10-Sep-2025)
    Reminder to complete the annual school nutrition program (SNP) verification activities.
  • USDA Rescinds 2022 Bostock Policy Update (added 10-Sep-2025)
    On July 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has officially rescinded the May 2022 Bostock policy update.
  • National Farm to Cafeteria Conference (added 05-Sep-2025)
    Join the National Farm to School Network at the 10th Farm to Cafeteria Conference in December 2025. The conference will address food sovereignty, farm to school best practices, climate-resilient agriculture, and equitable procurement strategies.
  • Farm to Summer Celebration Week- Post-Survey (added 05-Sep-2025)
    Summer Meal Program operators who participated in the Farm to Summer Celebration Week to are encouraged to complete a post-survey. Responses help improve the program and qualify agencies for recognition, including a certificate, online badge, etc.
  • Country Eggs LLC Recalls Eggs Due to Health Risk (added 28-Aug-2025)
    Country Eggs, LLC Recalls Large Brown Cage Free Eggs Due to Possible Health Risk.

  • 25–26 TASTE Incentive Grant Recipient Announcement (added 28-Aug-2025)
    A list of grantee recipients for the 2025–26 Try Agriculture Samples with Tastes and Education (TASTE) Incentive Grant.
  • USDA Foods Entitlement Meal Rate SY 2025–26 (added 28-Aug-2025)
    On August 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provided an updated estimated value of USDA Foods for School Year (SY) 2025–26.
  • Celebrating California School Meals Photo Contest (added 18-Aug-2025)
    The California Department of Education’s Farm to School program is holding a photo contest. CDE welcomes photos highlighting California’s diverse school meals programs; scratch cooked, locally sourced meals; and our school nutrition professionals.
  • REQUIRED: 2025–26 FFVP Orientation Trainings (added 15-Aug-2025)
    The CDE NSD requires all 2025–26 FFVP grantees to complete the mandatory FFVP Orientation Online Training Series before implementing the FFVP. The training series must be completed by no later than Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. PST.
  • Action Required: Excess Net Cash Resources (added 12-Aug-2025)
    Provides information to program operators about excess net cash resources, the budget agreement process, and long-term noncompliance.