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
  • Celebrating California School Meals Photo Contest (added 18-Aug-2025)
    The California Department of Education’s Farm to School program is holding a photo contest. CDE welcomes photos highlighting California’s diverse school meals programs; scratch cooked, locally sourced meals; and our school nutrition professionals.
  • REQUIRED: 2025–26 FFVP Orientation Trainings (added 15-Aug-2025)
    The CDE NSD requires all 2025–26 FFVP grantees to complete the mandatory FFVP Orientation Online Training Series before implementing the FFVP. The training series must be completed by no later than Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. PST.
  • Action Required: Excess Net Cash Resources (added 12-Aug-2025)
    Provides information to program operators about excess net cash resources, the budget agreement process, and long-term noncompliance.
  • SNP Reimbursement Rates for 2025-26 (added 12-Aug-2025)
    This web page provides the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) reimbursement rates for the 2025-26 school year.
  • 2024 Turnip the Beet Award Winners (added 12-Aug-2025)
    The California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division would like to congratulate 21 California school districts for receiving a 2024 Turnip the Beet Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.