Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Appeal Process for Grants

This web page provides and overview and timeline for the appeal process for grants in California associated with the Child Nutrition Programs administered by the California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division.

Overview

Grant applicants who were not awarded funding for grants associated with the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) have the option to appeal the decision to the CDE’s Nutrition Services Division (NSD). Examples of grants in connection with the CNPs include the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant, the Equipment Assistance Grant (EAG), and the School Breakfast and Summer Meal Programs Start-up and Expansion Grants; this is not an all-inclusive list. Applicants appealing a grant award decision must follow the appeals timeframe and process described below. Appeals are limited to the grounds that the NSD failed to correctly apply the criteria for reviewing the application as specified in the grant application.

Grant Appeal Process and Timeline
Grant Appeal Request Form (PDF)
Contact Information

Grant Appeal Process and Timeline

Grants administered by the CDE NSD will adhere to the grant appeal process and timeline described below unless otherwise described in the funding announcement:

  • Once the grant award is posted, applicants have 10 calendar days to file an appeal. The agency must sign and complete the Grant Appeal Request Form (PDF) and email the completed form, and any attachments, to CNPappeals@cde.ca.gov.
  • Upon receipt of the Grant Appeal Request Form and attachments, the CDE NSD shall acknowledge the submission by email.
  • All appeals will be based on written record alone.
  • An impartial NSD team will be assigned to review the appeal documentation. The applicant will be notified in writing of the final determination within 10 calendar days.
  • The NSD’s posted funding results shall remain in effect during the appeal process.
  • The decision of the NSD after consideration of the appeal, and all attachments, is the final administrative decision and cannot be appealed further.

Contact Information

School Breakfast and Summer Meal Programs Grants

For general School Breakfast Grant and Summer Meal Programs Start-up and Expansion Grant questions, contact the Breakfast Grant team by email at breakfastgrant@cde.ca.gov.

Equipment Assistance Grant

For general EAG questions, contact the EAG team by email at equipmentgrant@cde.ca.gov.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Team

For general FFVP questions, contact the FFVP team at FFVP@cde.ca.gov.

Program Accountability Team

For questions regarding the grant appeal process, to confirm receipt of your appeal, and for general appeal questions, contact the NSD Program Accountability team at CNPappeals@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   CNP Appeals | CNPappeals@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Webinar: Tuesday at 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 05-Jun-2026)
    School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.
  • 2026 SUN Bucks UBA Reporting (added 05-Jun-2026)
    Information on upcoming 2026 SUN Bucks Universal Benefits Application Reporting.
  • Public Comment–Expanding Fluid Milk Options (added 01-Jun-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture invites public comment on the final rule codifying expanded fluid milk options Child Nutrition Program providers, following enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.
  • Annual FDP Contract Packet Update Due July 31 (added 29-May-2026)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) reminds all participating agencies to submit their 2026–27 Food Distribution Program (FDP) contract in CNIPS by July 31, 2026.
  • Free Virtual Training Opportunities (added 29-May-2026)
    CalFresh Healthy Living Statewide Training is offering partners five new free training opportunities. Trainings include a combination of self-paced work and live online meetings, which include trauma-informed approaches, when possible.