NSLP and SBP Meal Patterns
Includes meal pattern requirements, online trainings, resources, compliance, policy guidance, and questions and answers for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.Overview
On January 26, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs final rule outlining nutrition standards for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The nutrition standards align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to reflect evidence-based nutrition science. The meal pattern requirements went into effect October 1, 2013 and were implemented in phases. This web page was updated as of October 2020.
Meal Pattern Requirements for Breakfast and Lunch
Infant
Breakfast and Lunch Meal Pattern for Infants
(PDF)
A Quick Reference Chart with the meal pattern requirements for the SBP and NSLP
for infant's age birth to 11 months.
Preschool
Breakfast Meal Pattern for Preschool (PDF)
A quick reference chart with the meal pattern requirements for the
SBP for 1-2 and 3-5 year old students (page 1).
Lunch Meal Pattern for Preschool (PDF)
A quick reference chart with the meal pattern requirements for the NSLP for 1-2 and 3-5 year old students (page 2).
Grades K-12
Breakfast Meal Pattern for Grades K-12
A quick reference chart with the meal pattern requirements for the SBP for grades K-12.
Lunch Meal Pattern for Grades K-12
A quick reference chart with the meal pattern requirements for the NSLP grades K-12
Meal Pattern for Breakfast and Lunch: Short and Long Weeks for Grades K-12
A quick reference chart with the meal pattern requirements for regular operating short and long weeks for both the NSLP and SBP for grades K-12.
Additional Meal Pattern Information
Vegetable Subgroup List for Breakfast and Lunch for Grades K-12
The list of vegetables found in each of the required vegetable subgroup categories for the NSLP and SBP.
Online Trainings
This section includes online trainings that assist participants in the NSLP and SBP in implementing the meal pattern requirements.
Nutrition
Course Number |
Course Name |
Training Topic |
---|---|---|
040 |
General Nutrition |
|
100 |
Menu Planning |
|
131 |
Menu Planning |
|
169 |
Menu Planning |
|
173 |
General Nutrition |
|
226 |
Menu Planning |
|
812 |
General Nutrition |
|
894 |
Menu Planning |
|
USDA (External) |
Incorporating Traditional Foods in Child Nutrition Program Menus
|
Menu Planning |
Operations
Course Number |
Course Name | Training Topic |
---|---|---|
130 |
Food Production |
Additional Online Training Databases
To find additional online training databases, visit the:
- USDA's Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals web page
to search for trainings related to the key areas nutrition, operation, administration, and marketing.
- Institute of Child Nutrition Courses and Learning Plans web page
to search for school nutrition trainings by selecting the Filter tab and choosing "School Nutrition".
- Chef Ann Foundation The Lunch Box web page
to access Webinars related to increasing participation, implementing farm-to-school with recipes and cycle menus, implementing and growing a successful After-the-Bell breakfast program and much more!
For more related meal pattern online trainings, you can visit the California Department of Education (CDE) Child Nutrition Program Course Catalog.
Resources
Guides, Manuals, and Worksheets
Forms
Whole Grain Resources
Recipe Resources
Salad Bar Resources
Nutrition Education Resources
General Resources
Guides, Manuals, and Worksheets
Resource | Description |
---|---|
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Buying Guide
![]() |
The online manual assists sponsors in buying the appropriate amount and type of food and to determine the specific contribution each food makes toward the meal pattern requirements for the NSLP and SBP. |
CDE Food Buying Guide Calculator web page | Provides the steps for using the USDA Food Buying Guide Calculator to determine required quantities of foods to purchase to meet the meal pattern requirements. |
The online manual for SY 2015–16 assisting with the implementation of Offer Versus Serve (OVS). OVS allows students to decline some of the food offered in a reimbursable lunch or breakfast. This is the latest version of the OVS manual. | |
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Serving Up a Successful School Breakfast Program
![]() |
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction developed a guide for implementing school breakfast programs called Serving Up a Successful School Breakfast Program. |
The certification worksheets to assist in determining if your menu is meeting the requirements. | |
A list of nutrient analysis software approved for use in the NSLP and SBP. | |
Fact sheets categorized by food type that describe the items expected to be available for schools participating in the NSLP and SBP. |
Forms
Resource | Description |
---|---|
The California Department of Education (CDE) Menu Production Record (MPR) Forms |
Example forms used by food service personnel to determine the amount of food to serve for menu production. |
The information required on the MPR. | |
These example forms are used by food service that describes the exact, measurable amount of ingredients and the method of preparation needed to consistently produce a high-quality food product. | |
This form is used by parents/guardians to have a medical authority prescribe special meals or accommodations during meals in the NSLP and SBP. |
Whole Grain Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
A guide for meeting the whole grain-rich criteria for school meals. It includes exercises on identifying products that meet the whole grain-rich criteria and calculation examples. | |
Exhibit A provides a list of grains and quantities to determine the ounce equivalents of whole grain and whole grain-rich food items used in the NSLP and SBP. |
Recipe Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
A collection of California school district culinary center recipes. Each recipe includes a photo, student taste tasting score, contribution to the meal pattern, and nutrient analysis. | |
USDA Standardized Recipes
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A collection of standardized recipes that provide crediting information, including the vegetable subgroups. They also include recipes made with legumes, whole grains, and/or dark green, red, and/or orange vegetables. |
The Humane Society of the United States Forward Food Recipes
![]() |
A collection of healthy, delicious, meat-free plant-strong recipes with grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits created by their classically trained chef. |
Chef Ann Foundation Plant Forward Recipes |
A collection of student tasted and approved plant-forward recipes, which includes the ingredients, instructions, and contribution to the meal pattern. |
Salad Bar Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
An assortment of information, resources, and training materials to assist with salad bar implementation. | |
Information about applying for funding to receive salad bar equipment. | |
Minnesota Department of Health Field Guide to Salad Bars in Schools ![]() |
A guide to implementing salad bars in schools. |
Nutrition Education Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
California Department of Public Health Harvest of the Month web page ![]() |
Education materials that feature 36 California grown fruits and vegetables including free parent newsletters and posters. |
USDA Team Nutrition ![]() |
Information and resources to support the Child Nutrition Programs through training and technical assistance for foodservice and nutrition education. Free USDA Team Nutrition materials are available to school nutrition professionals and are designed to motivate children into making healthier choices in the cafeteria and beyond. |
General Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
This 5-minute video presents students, schools, and cafeteria personnel giving their views on the new standards for healthier school meals, based on the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. | |
Information and resources for preventing plate waste. | |
Information and resources to implement the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement principles that use low or no-cost solutions to promote healthful eating behaviors and reduce waste. | |
Information and resources for preventing plate waste. | |
State of California CalRecycle School Waste Reduction web page
![]() |
Information and resources for waste reduction and recycling. |
Information about the rules for competitive foods in California. | |
Information about the requirements for serving nondairy substitutes for students who do not have a disability. |
Compliance
The California Department of Education (CDE) monitors compliance with the meal pattern during the Administrative Review (AR). ARs occur approximately every three years. The CDE provides technical assistance when the standards are not met. There will be an off site assessment (OAT) and an on-site review. Please see the following AR guidance:
- Administrative Review Off-site Assessment Tool (OAT) Guidance
Sponsors are required to fill out the OAT prior to the on-site review. To download the OAT guidance in Child Nutrition Information and Payment System(CNIPS), select School Nutrition Programs (SNP), select applications, downloadable forms, and Form ID SNP 58 AR. For meal pattern information, refer to page 11 and questions numbered 600–602.
- Administrative Review Guidance Chart
Once the OAT is completed, the AR reviewer conducts an on-site review to validate the information submitted in the OAT and to observe the operation of programs at the SFA and in selected schools. Prior to the on-site AR, the state reviewer sends sponsors the Administrative Review Guidance Chart, so sponsors can prepare all required documents for the on-site AR. To download the guidance chart in CNIPS, select SNP, select applications, downloadable forms, and Form ID SNP 42. For meal pattern information, refer to pages 6–9.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Administrative Review Manual 2018–19
USDA/Food and Nutrition Service provides general guidance to state agencies on the areas of review. For complete transparency and to download the AR Manual in CNIPS, select SNP, select applications, downloadable forms, and Form ID MANUAL AR. For meal pattern information, refer to pages 66-109.
Policy Guidance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the California Department of Education (CDE) issued the following policy memoranda related to the meal pattern on the NSLP and SBP. When merited, the CDE will release a subsequent management bulletin (MB) to include state specific policy guidance and/or further explain or clarify the topic.
Calendar Year 2020
Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
2/2020 | The CDE | Smoothies | Smoothies Offered in Child Nutrition Programs | CNP-04-2020 |
Calendar Year 2019
Calendar Year 2018
Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
12/2018 | The USDA | Meal Pattern Crediting | Update of Food Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs ![]() |
SP 08-2019, CACFP 02-2019, SFSP 02-2019 |
2/2018 | The CDE | Donation of Leftover Food | Guidance on the Donation of leftover Food in the Child Nutrition Programs | CNP-02-2018 |
2/2018 | The CDE | The Use of Share Tables | The Use of Share Tables | CNP-03-2018 |
Calendar Year 2017
Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
9/2017 | The CDE | Meal Pattern | Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the Child Nutrition Programs | CNP-09-2017 |
3/2017 | The CDE | Special Dietary Needs | Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in School Meal Programs | SNP-02-2017 |
2/2017 | The CDE | Potable Water | Availability of Potable Water to Children and Allowable Costs | SNP-05-2017 |
1/2017 | The USDA | School Meal Flexibilities | Flexibility for the Target 2 Sodium Requirements for SY 17-18 ![]() |
SP15-2017 |
Calendar Year 2016
Release Date | Issued by |
Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
6/2016 | The CDE | Fluid Milk | Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk | SNP-13-2016 |
Calendar Year 2015
Release Date | Issued by |
Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
7/2015 | The USDA | Child Nutrition Programs and Traditional Foods | TA 01-2015 | |
7/2015 | The CDE | Product Documentation | Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements | CNP-07-2015 |
5/2015 | The CDE | CN Labels | CN Labels Copied with a Watermark | CNP-08-2015 |
Calendar Year 2014
Release Date | Issued by |
Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
1/2014 | The CDE | Meals | Variations in Meal Requirements for Religious Reasons: Jewish Schools, Institutions, and Sponsors | CNP-04-2014 |
Calendar Year 2013
Release Date | Issued by |
Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
8/2013 | The CDE | Salad Bars | Salad Bar Alternatives After the Point of Service | USDA-SNP-19-2013 |
3/2013 | The USDA | Final Rule | Nutrition Standards in the NSLP and the SBP - Final Rule ![]() |
SP 31-2013 |
Calendar Year 2012
Release Date | Issued by |
Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
7/2012 | The CDE | Meal Pattern Crediting | Formulated Grain Fruit Products | USDA-SNP-31-2012 |
Calendar Year 2011 and prior
Release Date | Issued by |
Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
2/2008 | The CDE | Meal Pattern Crediting | Crediting of Corn Meal and Corn Flour | USDA-CNP-01-2008 |
- To view all of the policy memos related to the School Nutrition Programs (SNP), visit the USDA School Meals web page
.
- To view all management bulletins related to SNP, visit the CDE School Nutrition Programs Management Bulletins web page.
Questions and Answers
Release Date | Issued by |
Subject | Reference Number |
---|---|---|---|
9/2019 | The USDA | Smoothies Offered in Child Nutrition Programs
|
SP 40-2019, CACFP 17-2019, SFSP 17-2019
|
9/2019 | The USDA | Questions & Answers on Meal Requirements under the NSLP and SBP
|
SP38-2019 |
Contacts
For questions regarding the meal pattern, contact the California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division (NSD) Meal Pattern team by email at HHFKA@cde.ca.gov. To join the NSD's mailing list, you can subscribe to the School Nutrition Program Mailing List.