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Webinar: Universal Meals Listening Session #2

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

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On November 2, 2021, the California Department of Education (CDE) hosted its second 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.

The webinar included an introduction from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, provided an overview of Universal Meals, answered frequently asked questions, and featured presentations from three advocacy groups who discussed innovative ideas for minimizing food waste, the importance of breakfast, and strategies for maximizing identified student percentages used in the federal Community Eligibility Provision.


The Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinars are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month and information about future Town Halls can be found on the CDE Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall Webinar web page.

To view past recorded Town Hall webinars, go to the CDE COVID-19 Guidance in the Child Nutrition Programs web page and select the Webinars tab.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please email UniversalmealsSY22@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, July 11, 2023
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