Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Webinar: Universal Meals Listening Session #2

Information about requirements and best practices for implementing the California Universal Meals Program in school year 2022–23.

On November 2, 2021, the California Department of Education (CDE) hosted its second Universal Meals Listening Session webinar for school food service operators, chief business officials, and community partners, providing an opportunity for schools and community partners to learn more about the California Universal Meals Program.

The webinar included an introduction from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, provided an overview of Universal Meals, answered frequently asked questions, and featured presentations from three advocacy groups who discussed innovative ideas for minimizing food waste, the importance of breakfast, and strategies for maximizing identified student percentages used in the federal Community Eligibility Provision.


To view additional Universal Meals Listening sessions, go to the California Universal Meals web page and select the Resources tab.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please email SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Recently Posted in Nutrition

  • School Lunch Hero Day 2026 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    School Lunch Hero Day presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank hardworking professionals who continue to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of students.
  • Food Smarts: Free Trainings (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Food Smarts: Free Trainings- Food Smarts Facilitator Training Options for Non-Funded Partners happening in April through June.
  • Modifying the FNS Instruction 113-1 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    On March 3, 2026, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) updated FNS Instruction 113-1 guidance.
  • Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Offer versus Serve Waiver in the SFSP (added 16-Apr-2026)
    The USDA approved a waiver requested by the CDE for non-SFA SFSP operators to use the OVS meal service option on a case-by-case basis.