Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Summer Meal Programs

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

Announcements

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Applications

Effective October 1, 2019, the CDE will require that all new SFSP applicants and returning 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 more information regarding the new application deadlines please view the Summer Food Service Program Application Deadlines management bulletin.

To learn more about how to apply to the SFSP, please view the Summer Food Service Program Information web page. Scroll down to view the tabs and select the New Sponsors tab to review the application process.

Programs

  • Summer Food Service Program Information
    Administrative and operational information and guidance for organizations that participate in the program. USDA policy guidance and SFSP Management Bulletins can be found under the Resources tab.

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

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.

Follow @CDENutrition on Twitter.


Questions:   Summer Meals Unit | 916-324-6153
Last Reviewed: Thursday, April 13, 2023
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.
Recently Posted in Nutrition

  • Upcoming Webinars and Team Nutrition Materials (added 19-Sep-2023)
    The USDA’s Team Nutrition (TN) initiative is excited to share three upcoming webinar opportunities and a reminder to order TN’s print materials for National School Lunch Week, which is October 9-13, 2023.
  • Net Cash Resources and Allowable Costs Reminder (added 19-Sep-2023)
    Program operators that have NCR of six months or more average operating expenses are required to have a budget agreement. Program operators are reminded that cafeteria funds are to be used for the operation and improvement of school food service.
  • Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule (added 19-Sep-2023)
    On August 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service released SP 21-2023, Initial Implementation Memorandum: Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule.
  • Governor Newsom Expands State of Emergency (added 14-Sep-2023)
    Governor Newsom Expands State of Emergency Due to Tropical Storm Hilary Impacts in Siskiyou County.
  • Webinar: KIT Freshly Prepared Onsite Meal Criteria (added 12-Sep-2023)
    This announcement provides information on how to register for the KIT Freshly Prepared Onsite Meal Criteria webinar.