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Meal Patterns & Menu Planning

Information and resources on the federally mandated meal patterns, menu planning options, and meal documentation requirements for all child nutrition programs.

School Nutrition Programs

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations

The CNP-925 (CDE Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations Form) is located in the Download Forms Section of the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System.

Menu Planning and Production Record Forms
Forms used to determine the amount of food to serve for menu production.

School Menu Planning Options
Information and resources on the new Food-Based Menu Planning (FBMP) approach for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and current menu planning for the School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Summer Food Service Program

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations

The CNP-925 (CDE Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations Form) is located in the Download Forms Section of the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System.

Available translations of the Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations for Child Nutrition Programs (Dated Aug-2017)

Nutrition Requirements External link opens in new window or tab.
USDA information and resources on the menu planning, preparation documentation, and MP for sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Questions:   Education and Nutrition Policy Unit | SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Related Content
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    Meal and milk programs offered at public and private non-profit schools and residential child care institutions.
  • Summer Meal Programs
    Federal meal programs for children from low-income areas during vacation and off-track periods, including summertime.
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    Summer Food Service Program Sponsors Survey for summer 2026.
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    The Waiver for Non-congregate Meals During Ramadan allows approved school food authorities to offer non-congregate meals to students fasting during Ramadan.
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    This management bulletin clarifies that program operators will incur fiscal action for meal pattern violations when there are missing meal components or missing production records.
  • Availability of the 2026-27 Breakfast Grant (added 08-Jan-2026)
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