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Summer Meal Programs

Federal meal programs for children from low-income areas during vacation and off-track periods.

Announcements

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides all announcements relating to the summer meal programs on the CDE Nutrition What's New web page. Announcement topics include policy requirements, management bulletins, disaster information, food recalls, trainings, funding opportunities, recognition programs, and more.

Application Deadlines

New and Returning Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Applicants

The CDE requires that new and returning SFSP applicant sponsors submit complete and correct SFSP application packets through the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) no later than 30 calendar days prior to the first SFSP meal service day, or May 15, whichever comes first. These deadlines do not apply to sponsors applying to serve in areas impacted by an unanticipated school closure during the period from October through April (or at any time of the year in an area with a continuous school calendar). For information regarding the application deadlines, review the SFSP Application Deadlines management bulletin.

New SFSP Applicants

To learn how to apply to the SFSP, visit the CDE Summer Food Service Program web page and select the New Sponsors tab.

Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Applicants

To apply for the SSO, school food authorities (SFAs) must update their CNIPS account by adding participating SSO sites to the site application(s). SFAs should apply at least 30 days prior to the start of their SSO program.

Programs

  • Summer Food Service Program
    Information on how to apply for the SFSP, meal pattern requirements, resources, and other guidance for organizations that participate in the program.

  • Seamless Summer Option
    Information on how to apply for the SSO, meal pattern requirements, resources, Frequently Asked Questions, and contacts for SSO program operators.

  • Non-congregate Meal Service Option in Rural Areas
    Information on how to operate a non-congregate meal service option in rural areas at summer meal sites.

Summer Meal Locations

Provides parents and referral agencies with a list of locations where children may receive free nutritious meals during school vacation and off-track periods.

  • Summer Meal Service Sites
    California state map with county-by-county listings of sponsors and meal service sites.

  • Find Summer Meal Sites with Your Phone
    The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices.
Questions:   Summer Nutrition Programs and Grants Unit | SFSP@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Thursday, December 04, 2025
Related Content
  • Procurement in School Nutrition Programs
    Federal procurement regulations when contracting with food service management companies (FSMC), vendors, or competitively procuring food.
  • Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
    Information about the federal Seamless Summer Option opportunity that allows public schools to combine features of the School Nutrition Programs and the Summer Food Service Program along with reduced paperwork requirements.
  • Summer Food Service Program Information
    Administrative and operational information and guidance for organizations that participate in the program.
  • Summer Meal Service Sites
    Provides parents and referral agencies with a list of locations where children may receive free nutritious meals during school vacation and off-track periods.
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