Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Webinar: Universal Meals Listening Session #3

Information about requirements and best practices for implementing the California Universal Meals Program in school year 2022–23.

On January 11, 2022, the California Department of Education (CDE) hosted the third Universal Meals Listening Session webinar for school food service operators, chief business officials, and community partners, providing an opportunity for schools and community partners to learn more about the California Universal Meals Program (Universal Meals).

The webinar provided information on the impact Universal Meals will have on federal provision requirements, answered frequently asked questions, and featured a presentation from one food service director who discussed innovative ideas for implementing the community eligibility provision.


To view past recorded Universal Meals Listening Sessions, go to the California Universal Meals web page and select the Resources tab.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please email SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Trending in Nutrition
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Expanded Capital Expenditure Approved List (added 12-May-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the California Department of Education’s (CDE) request to expand the Capital Expenditure Approved List. This expansion contains equipment commonly purchased by School Food Authorities (SFAs).
  • USDA Farm to School Grant Informational Webinars (added 12-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Updated Resources Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (added 06-May-2026)
    Updated Resources Due to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.
  • USDA Grants to Support Farm to School (added 06-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Award Announcement for 2025 KIT and R&R Grants (added 04-May-2026)
    Grant Award Announcement for 2025 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) and Retention and Recruitment (R&R) Grants.

  • Child Nutrition Advisory Council - May 2026 (added 01-May-2026)
    Meeting agenda for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC)
  • Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin provides regulatory updates regarding the allowability of accepting medical statements from registered dietitians (RD) as related to Fluid Milk Substitutions in School Nutrition Programs.
  • Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin contains information on the requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities.
  • Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Information related to Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
  • School Lunch Hero Day 2026 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    School Lunch Hero Day presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank hardworking professionals who continue to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of students.