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School Nutrition

Meal and milk programs offered at public and private nonprofit schools and residential child care institutions.

Programs

California Universal Meals
Information about the background, policy, and resources regarding California’s Universal Meals Program.

School Breakfast Program
Information about applying for and administering the School Breakfast Program.

Meal Supplements (Snacks) Under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Information about applying for and administering after-school snacks under the National School Lunch Program.

Breakfasts and Snacks for Nonschoolaged Children
Includes overview, background, and program specific guidance on providing meals to nonschoolaged children.

National School Lunch Program
Information about applying for and administering the National School Lunch Program.

Seamless Summer Feeding Option (Seamless Option)

Information about the federal seamless 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.

Special Milk Program
Information about applying for and administering the Special Milk Program in camps and schools that do not participate in the federal meal programs.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Information about applying for and administering the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

Program Support

Administrative Review
Includes information, regulations, procedures, and updates on the School Nutrition Programs administrative review.

Cafeteria Fund Guidance
Provides school food authorities (SFA) with information and instructions pertaining to federal and state statutes and regulations that govern school cafeteria funds

Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Service policies and procedures about nondiscrimination in the administration of the child nutrition and food distribution programs.

Procurement in School Nutrition Programs
Regulations, requirements, and guidance governing all school food service procurements.

Forms
Forms and completed sample forms for use by School Nutrition Programs sponsors.

Guidance, Manuals, and Resources
The most recent guidance manuals, management bulletins, and other materials needed for proper administration of the school nutrition programs.

Mailing List
Sign up to receive School Nutrition Programs information via e-mail.

Contact Us

School Nutrition Programs Unit Directory
Directory of School Nutrition Program Specialists by county.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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