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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
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