Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Salad Bars in the School Nutrition Programs

Management Bulletin (MB) SNP-02-2026, Salad Bars in the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) supersedes SNP-03-2020, Salad Bars in the School Nutrition Programs to incorporate policy guidance to align with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Policy Memorandum SP 04-2024 Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule: State Agency Discretion for Repeat Meal Pattern Violations Fiscal Action External link opens in new window or tab..

This MB clarifies that program operators will incur fiscal action for meal pattern violations when there are missing meal components or missing production records.

The MB is available on the California Department of Education SNP MBs web page.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact the School Nutrition Programs Unit at SNPINFO@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Related Content
  • Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the CNPs
    This management bulletin updates crediting information for tofu and soy yogurt products in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).
  • Food Safety
    Information and links about food safety during food preparations and transfer, and California Retail Food Code requirements.
  • Menu Production Record Forms
    Forms used to determine the amount of food to serve for menu production.
  • NSLP and SBP Meal Patterns
    Includes meal pattern requirements, online trainings, resources, compliance, policy guidance, and questions and answers for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
  • Plant-based Meal Options in CNPs
    Includes policy guidance, definitions, background, health benefit information, resources, and online trainings for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) and interested in offering plant-based meals.
Trending in Nutrition
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Webinar: Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 15-May-2026)
    School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors on May 26, 2026.
  • Expanded Capital Expenditure Approved List (added 12-May-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the California Department of Education’s (CDE) request to expand the Capital Expenditure Approved List. This expansion contains equipment commonly purchased by School Food Authorities (SFAs).
  • USDA Farm to School Grant Informational Webinars (added 12-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Updated Resources Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (added 06-May-2026)
    Updated Resources Due to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.
  • USDA Grants to Support Farm to School (added 06-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.