The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division is sending this message to announce the availability of School Year 2026–27 School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Start-up and Expansion Grants.
Background Information
The State Legislature appropriates approximately $1.017 million in the annual state budget for SBP and SMP Start-up and Expansion Grants. California Education Code Section 49550.3 authorizes the CDE to award competitive grants of up to $15,000 per school site for nonrecurring expenses incurred when initiating or expanding an SBP or SMP.
For more information about the SBP and SMP grants and eligibility requirements, visit the CDE School Breakfast and Summer Meal Grants web page.
Grant Application Package and Deadline
The grant application package and instructions for these grants are available on the CDE SBP and SMP Grant Request for Applications web page. Please note that school food authorities must complete the grant application online.
The online application closes on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 4 p.m., at which time the CDE will no longer accept applications.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this subject, please contact the Breakfast Grant team by email at breakfastgrant@cde.ca.gov.