Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Child Nutrition Information and Payment System - CalEdFacts

This content is part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.

The Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) is the largest Web-based application and reimbursement system ever implemented by the California Department of Education (CDE). The CNIPS helps local program sponsors administer state and federal nutrition programs such as the six School Nutrition Programs (SNP), Food Distribution Program (FDP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The CNIPS enables sponsors to easily submit online reimbursement, view the status of applications and meal reimbursement claims, and access site and sponsor information across programs. The CNIPS also increases timeliness and accuracy of claims submission, processing, and payments, while reducing the administrative burden on local agencies.

For more information regarding nutrition services, contact the Nutrition Services Division at 916-445-0850 or 800-952-5609. Additional information is available on the CDE Nutrition Web page.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, December 3, 2020
Share this Page
Share via Email icon Share with Twitter icon Share with Facebook icon Share with LinkedIn icon Share via Link icon
Related Content
  • CNIPS Project Information
    The Child Nutrition Information and Payment System is a Web-based system for local sponsors of federal food programs. Agencies can also register for trainings through the CNIPS.
  • Nutrition
    Resources and information related to child nutrition, nutrition education, food distribution programs, and the Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Council.
  • Nutrition Services
    Fiscal information to aid nutrition sponsors and to provide information about claiming meal reimbursements.
Trending in Nutrition
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • School Year 2020–21 Pandemic EBT (added 27-Jan-2021)
    The CDSS and the CDE are excited to announce that Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) has been extended through the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act. This law extends P-EBT benefits through September 2021.
  • 2020 Equipment Assistance Grants (added 27-Jan-2021)
    Management Bulletin (MB) SNP-03-2021, 2020 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants (EAG), is available on the California Department of Education Nutrition Services Management Bulletin web page
  • 2020 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant (added 25-Jan-2021)
    Availability of the 2020 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant Request for Application.
  • 75 Cent Rate Increase Payment Information (added 22-Jan-2021)
    Pursuant to the 2020 Budget Act, funds from the Federal Trust Fund and State General Fund have been appropriated for allocation by the California Department of Education to be used to increase rates for meals served during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • COVID-19: USDA Child Nutrition Response #71 (added 22-Jan-2021)
    Nationwide Waiver of Food Service Management Contract Duration in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) – Extension.

  • 2020–21 CACFP Mandatory Training (updated 15-Jan-2021)
    Announcement for the 2020–21 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Mandatory Training.
  • USDA Nationwide Waiver Questions and Answers #4 (added 15-Jan-2021)
    On January 5, 2021, USDA released Policy Memorandum SP 05-2021, CACFP 04-2021, SFSP 04-2021, Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow SFSP and SSO Operators during School Year 2020ꟷ21 Q&As #4.
  • SSO and SFSP Integrity Plan (added 12-Jan-2021)
    The Nutrition Services Division (NSD) has developed a Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Integrity Plan guide to support program operators.
  • 2021 SFSP Reimbursement Rates (added 12-Jan-2021)
    On December 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) 2021 reimbursement rates for breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks.
  • CNAC Member Recruitment 2021 (added 12-Jan-2021)
    The State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC) is recruiting for positions for 2021.