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 Course Catalog
A catalog 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

Updated Sample FSMC RFP and Contract in CNIPS (added 13-Mar-2026)
An updated Sample Food Service Management Company Request for Proposals and Model Fixed-price Contract document is now available. Updates include revised Buy American and California Agricultural Preference requirements and clarified responsibilities.
2026 SUN Bucks Data Submission (added 13-Mar-2026)
Information on 2026 SUN Bucks data submission.
CEP Application Information (added 12-Mar-2026)
This listserv provides information on applying for the CEP.
Interagency Agreements in School Food Service (added 12-Mar-2026)
This management bulletin provides guidance on interagency agreement requirements when administering the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) at unaffiliated schools.
Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 12-Mar-2026)
School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.

Summer Food Service Program Annual Updates (added 12-Mar-2026)
The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) is pleased to announce that the SFSP 2026 Program Year is now open.
Reimbursement for Off-Site Meal Consumption (added 02-Mar-2026)
SNP-06-2026 provides guidance on serving NSLP and SBP meals for off-site consumption.
Honoring Cultural Preferences in School Nutrition (added 02-Mar-2026)
This webinar highlights best practices for incorporating student cultural food preferences honoring Black voice and other cultures, in menu offerings, strengthen student trust and engagement, and support equity in school meal participation.
State Meal Mandate (added 02-Mar-2026)
SNP-05-2026 addresses the requirements for LEAs to serve and claim NSLP and SBP meals for both state and federal reimbursement.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (added 27-Feb-2026)
Announcing an update to the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 - Eat Real Food