Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education

California Culinary Centers Standardized Recipes
A collection of standardized recipes to support schools across California in creating menus to meet the National School Lunch Program meal pattern.

California Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Provides background information, grant overview, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program guidelines, how to apply, program policy, resources, compliance, trainings, frequently asked questions, and contacts for current and potential grantees.

California Nutrition Advisory Council
Background and member information for the Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC).

Competitive Foods and Beverages
Information on competitive foods and beverages including definitions, background, compliance, resources, policy guidance, and frequently asked questions for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Drinking Water for Students in Schools
Provides background, health implications, policy guidance, best practices, and funding opportunities regarding the requirement for school districts to provide access to free, potable drinking water during meal times.

Ensuring Adequate Time to Eat
Includes background information, best practices, and resources for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs trying to ensure students have adequate time to eat during meal times.

Farm to Child Nutrition Programs
An education model that connect schools with local farms.

Farm to Summer Celebration Week
Information about California’s Farm to Summer Celebration Week for summer meal program operators, including background, activities, trainings, partners, resources, awardees, and contact information.

Food Pantries in Schools
Food pantries in schools provide children facing food insecurity with easy access to nutritious food. This web page provides information regarding the benefits, operations, policies, resources, and trainings related to school food pantry programs.

Food Safety
Information and resources about food safety during food preparations and transfer, and California Uniform Retail Food Facility Law (CURFFL) requirements.

Local School Wellness Policy
Information and resources on the Local School Wellness Policy, Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

NSLP and SBP Meal Patterns
Includes meal pattern requirements, trainings, resources, compliance, policy guidance, and questions and answers for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Nutrition Education in California Schools
Provides benefits of nutrition education, best practices, funding options, state and federal policy, resources, trainings, and contact information for Health and Nutrition Educators in California schools.

Plant-Based Meal Options in Child Nutrition Programs
Includes definitions, background, health benefit information, how to take action, resources, online trainings, and policy guidance for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs and interested in offering plant-based meals.

Preschools SHINE Program
Includes Preschools Shaping Healthy Impressions through Nutrition and Exercise (SHINE) program background information, eligibility and award levels, how to apply and re-apply, recognition, in-person workshops, online courses, resources and best practices, the list of certified sites, and contact information to support SHINE certified sites and new participants.

Smarter Lunchrooms Movement
Information about the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement, how to get started, online training opportunities, helpful resources, and contact information.