Child Nutrition Information and Payment System - 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.

The Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) is the largest web-based application and reimbursement system ever implemented by the California Department of Education (CDE). The CNIPS helps local program sponsors administer state and federal nutrition programs such as the School Nutrition Programs (SNP), Food Distribution Program (FDP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The CNIPS enables sponsors to easily submit online reimbursement, view the status of applications and meal reimbursement claims, and access site and sponsor information across programs. The CNIPS also increases timeliness and accuracy of claims submission, processing, and payments, while reducing the administrative burden on local agencies.

For more information regarding nutrition services, contact the Nutrition Services Division at 916-445-0850 or 800-952-5609. Additional information is available on the CDE Nutrition web page.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Related Content

CNIPS Project Information
The Child Nutrition Information and Payment System is a Web-based system for local sponsors of federal food programs. Agencies can also register for trainings through the CNIPS.
Nutrition
Resources and information related to child nutrition, nutrition education, food distribution programs, and the Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Council.
Nutrition Fiscal Services Analyst Directory
Fiscal information to aid nutrition sponsors and to provide information about claiming meal reimbursements.

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

June 24, 2025 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 12-Aug-2025)
The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar June 24, 2025.
Chef Ann Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship (added 12-Aug-2025)
The Chef Ann Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship Program. This fellowship supports the development of school food leaders who can support a sustainable program centered around scratch-cooked meals.
Webinar: Tuesday at 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 04-Aug-2025)
School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.
CNAC Minutes for the November 2, 2023 Meeting (added 31-Jul-2025)
Meeting minutes for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC) on November 2, 2023.
Next Steps: 2025–26 FFVP Grant Recipients (added 30-Jul-2025)
On July 28, 2025, the CDE NSD awarded and posted the FFVP first allocation grant recipients and funding allocations for School Year 2025–26 on the CDE FFVP Funding Results web page. The FFVP first allocation is July 1, 2025–September 30, 2025.

Ada Valley Meat Company Recalls Ground Beef (added 30-Jul-2025)
Ada Valley Meat Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
2025–26 FFVP Grant Recipient Announcement (added 29-Jul-2025)
On July 28, 2025, the CDE NSD awarded and posted the FFVP first allocation grant recipients and funding allocations for School Year 2025–26 on the CDE FFVP Funding Results web page. The FFVP first allocation is July 1, 2025–September 30, 2025.
CEP Application and Mandatory P2 Base Year Review (added 28-Jul-2025)
Provides guidance to school food authorities on how to apply for the Community Eligibility Provision and on the mandatory review of the Provision 2 base year.
Appeal Process for Grants (added 24-Jul-2025)
This web page provides and overview and timeline for the appeal process for grants in California associated with the Child Nutrition Programs administered by the California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division.
Mandatory Review of Provision 2 Base Year (added 23-Jul-2025)
This management bulletin provides guidance regarding the mandated review of school food authorities participating in Provision 2.