Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

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: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • SNP-11-2024 Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 13-May-2025)
    This MB provides regulatory updates regarding the allowability of accepting medical statements from registered dietitians (RD).
  • FDP Contract Packet Due Date: July 31 (added 13-May-2025)
    The Food Distribution Program (FDP) is reminding agencies to update and submit their School Year 2025–26 FDP contract in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) FDP module by July 31, 2025.
  • Webinar: Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 08-May-2025)
    School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.
  • April 29, 2025 SUN Bucks webinar recording (added 08-May-2025)
    The following is to assist in locating the April 29, 2025 SUN Bucks webinar recording which has been uploaded to YouTube.
  • School Lunch Hero Day 2025 (added 25-Apr-2025)
    The School Food Hero Day is May 2, 2025. This month is the perfect time to celebrate and recognize the role that food service professionals play in supporting student health, school meals, and learning.