Developing a Local Meal Charge Policy

The School Nutrition Programs Guidelines to Developing a Local Meal Charge Policy online training.

Course Description

The objective of this training is to provide information regarding the development of a meal charge policy, policy updates, checklists, and provide tools and resources.

Course Number: 605
Training Length: 20 minutes
Certificate: Available at the end of the training
Target Audience: Food Service Director, Staff, and Chief Business Officials
Mandatory: No
Cost: Free
Date Recorded: January 2019

Online Course

Begin the Guidelines to Developing a Local Meal Charge Policy course.

Referenced Resources

The following resources are referred to throughout this online course.

USDA Policy Memo SP 29-2017: 2017 Edition: Overcoming the Unpaid Meal Challenge: Proven Strategies from Our Nation’s Schools

Crediting

Crediting: 0.25 hours
Key Area: Administration (3000)
- Training Topic: Program Management (3200)
  - Learning Objective: Oversee Standard Operation Procedures for routine operations (3220)

Contact Us

If you have questions, please contact the Resource Management Unit by email at SNPCafeFundQuestions@cde.ca.gov.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Thursday, March 12, 2026

Related Content

Child Hunger Prevention and Fair Treatment Act
The School Nutrition Programs Senate Bill 250-Child Hunger Prevention and Fair Treatment Act of 2017 online training.
Child Nutrition Programs Learning Library
A list of online training courses for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs.
Local Meal Charge Policy
The School Nutrition Programs Local Meal Charge Policy online training.

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

Availability of the 2026 EAG Grant (added 10-Nov-2026)
Provides guidance on 2026 EAG grant requirements and instructions to apply.
California’s 2025 Turnip the Beet Award Winners (added 28-Oct-2026)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the national list of 2025 Turnip the Beet (TUB) winners.
Intersessional Meals Grant Opt-in Application (added 27-Oct-2026)
Opt-in for the Intersessional Meals Grant using the Online Application.
Child Nutrition Advisory Council – November 2026 (added 23-Oct-2026)
Agenda for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC)
Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall 10/27/26 (added 21-Oct-2026)
School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.

Kayem Foods Recalls Meat and Poultry Products (added 21-Oct-2026)
Kayem Foods Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Temperature Abuse.
Adequate Time to Eat Survey (added 14-Oct-2026)
The purpose of this survey is to gather information regarding school and district practices and perceptions related to evidence-based Adequate Time to Eat (ATE) recommendations.
MB FDP-01-2026 Shipment and Receipt of USDA Foods (added 07-Oct-2026)
The FNS Instruction 709-5, Revision 4 applies to local educational agencies and other entities that receive USDA Foods directly from a USDA-contracted vendor. It does not apply to USDA Foods received from a State distribution center, Co-op, or a cont
Opportunity: Ultraprocessed Foods Evaluation (added 07-Oct-2026)
Opportunity to Participate in the Ultraprocessed Foods (UPFs) in CA Schools Evaluation
FNS 709-5, Rev. 4: Shipment & Receipt of USDA Food (added 01-Oct-2026)
This management bulletin outlines the updates to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Instruction 709-5, Revision 4: Shipment and Receipt of USDA Foods.