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

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