School Nutrition

Meal and milk programs offered at public and private nonprofit schools and residential child care institutions.

Programs

California Universal Meals
Information about the background, policy, and resources regarding California’s Universal Meals Program.

California Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Information about applying for and administering the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

School Breakfast Program
Information about applying for and administering the School Breakfast Program.

National School Lunch Program
Information about applying for and administering the National School Lunch Program.

Meal Supplements (Snacks) Under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Information about applying for and administering after-school snacks under the National School Lunch Program.

Seamless Summer Feeding Option (Seamless Option)

Information about the federal seamless option opportunity that allows public schools to combine features of the School Nutrition Programs and the Summer Food Service Program along with reduced paperwork requirements.

Special Milk Program
Information about applying for and administering the Special Milk Program in camps and schools that do not participate in the federal meal programs.

State Meal Program
Information about meal requirements and reimbursement for schools that do not offer the federal lunch or breakfast programs.

Program Support

Administrative Review
Includes information, regulations, procedures, and updates on the School Nutrition Programs administrative review.

Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Service policies and procedures about nondiscrimination in the administration of the child nutrition and food distribution programs.

Procurement in School Nutrition Programs
Regulations, requirements, and guidance governing all school food service procurements.

Forms
Forms and completed sample forms for use by School Nutrition Programs sponsors.

Guidance, Manuals, and Resources
The most recent guidance manuals, management bulletins, and other materials needed for proper administration of the school nutrition programs.

Mailing List
Sign up to receive School Nutrition Programs information via e-mail.

Contact Us

School Nutrition Programs Unit Directory
Directory of School Nutrition Program Specialists by county.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Thursday, October 6, 2022

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Related Content

Procurement in School Nutrition Programs
Federal procurement regulations when contracting with food service management companies (FSMC), vendors, or competitively procuring food.
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School Nutrition Program Provisions 1, 2, 3, and the Community Eligibility Provision are alternative ways for local educational agencies to claim student meals.
School Nutrition Programs Administrative Review
Includes information, regulations, procedures, and updates on the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) administrative review (AR).
School Nutrition Programs Management Bulletins
School Nutrition Programs (SNP) management bulletins for sponsors of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, and State Meal Program.
SNP Guidance, Manuals, and Resources
The most recent guidance manuals, management bulletins, and other materials needed for proper administration of the School Nutrition Programs (SNP).

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April 25, 2023 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resource (added 25-May-2023)
The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar April 25, 2023.
April 25, 2023 School Nutrition Town Hall Links (added 25-May-2023)
The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar April 25, 2023 for school food service operators, chief business officials, and community partners.
Turnip the Beet Award-Summer 2023 (added 24-May-2023)
The Turnip the Beet Award honors and recognizes outstanding Summer Meal Program sponsors and partners who work hard during the summer months to offer high quality, appealing, and nutritious meals to children.
Reminder: LSWP Triennial Assessment Due June 30 (added 23-May-2023)
The local school wellness policy triennial assessment is due June 30, 2023.
Sofina Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Mortadella (added 23-May-2023)
Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen.

2022–23 Unique Entity Identifier Transition (added 16-May-2023)
USDA policy memorandum SP 07-2023, CACFP 06-2023, SFSP 04-2023 regarding the transition from the Data Universal Numbering System number to the Unique Entity Identifier number.
Local Agency Procurement Review (added 15-May-2023)
A list of program operators scheduled for an off-site local agency procurement review.
Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc. Recalls Raw Pork (added 15-May-2023)
Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc. Recalls Raw, Boneless Pork Products imported without benefit of import reinspection.
CALPADS Data Collection for P-EBT (added 11-May-2023)
This communication provides information for CALPADS administrators about the process of collecting data for the upcoming Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) for Summer 2023 and School Year (SY) 2022–23.
FFVP: Claiming Administrative Costs (added 11-May-2023)
This management bulletin provides guidance on when and how to claim administrative costs for the FFVP and how the administrative costs for the FFVP aligns with updates to the CSAM.