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School Nutrition Programs Application Process

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally funded programs available to all qualifying agencies which serve meals to students of high school grade or below.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) help to fight hunger and obesity by providing healthy meals to children. This web page is intended to provide the necessary information for interested agencies to apply to participate in these federally funded programs. To become a School Nutrition Program operator, an agency must be either a public entity or a nonprofit organization with an Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) determination.

The NSLP and SBP are available to all qualifying agencies which serve meals to students of high school grade or below. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing the program nationally. In California, the NSLP and SBP are administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division. All participating agencies must operate a nonprofit program offering low-cost and free meals meeting federal requirements to all children in attendance.

The tabs below are divided by agency type and include information on the mandatory documents. It is recommended that all applicants become familiar with the different program requirements, rules, and regulations. The information provided under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Resources tabs are also helpful and recommended to review prior to starting the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What federal Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) can approved agencies operate?
What are the program operator's responsibilities for administering the School Nutrition Programs (SNP)?
How are SNP Operators reimbursed for meals?
How do I apply to participate in an SNP?
I want to use my agency’s Articles of Incorporation rather than a 501(c)(3) to prove nonprofit status. Why must I provide a 501(c)(3)?
Why does the California Department of Education (CDE) require a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number?
What happens if I do not submit all the required documents?
What is an administrative review (AR)?
What are the eligibility standards for free and reduced-price meals?
What are the meal requirements?
Are schools required to make menu substitutions for children who cannot eat the regular lunch or breakfast?
How does an SNP operator contract with a food service management company (FSMC) or vendor?
Are SNP Operators required to have a cafeteria fund for all revenue and expenses for SNPs?
What are the professional standards requirements?
When can we receive reimbursement?
If a school changes the grade groups served at that school site, does that affect the school’s ability to participate in the CNPs?
What is a school food authority (SFA)?
Could a charter school enter into an agreement with another SFA to assist with program administration?
What administrative duties are associated with participating in the SNP?
If a charter school uses a charter management organization (CMO) also referred to as an education service provider (ESP), to manage and operate the charter school, can the CMO be responsible for the SFA’s administrative responsibilities?
Does the CMO sign the CNP agreement with the state agency?
If the CMO administers charter schools in multiple states, can the CMO conduct eligibility, verification and other functions at a location outside the jurisdiction where the charter is held?
What is a charter school collaborative (CSC)? Does a CSC meet the definition of SFA for the purpose of participating in SNP?
What are important considerations for charter schools interested in participating in the NSLP and SBP?
Can a school participate in the SNP if it does not have an on-site kitchen?
What is direct certification (DC) and what are the requirements for DC in the CNPs?
What are the Special Provision Options in the SNP?
What is the Community Eligibility Provision?
What are the reimbursement rates for participating schools?
Can school meal reimbursements go directly to the contractor versus going to the SFA then to the contracting vendor?
Questions:   School Nutrition Programs Unit | SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Related Content
  • National School Lunch Program Overview
    Information about applying for and administering the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
  • Nutrition
    Resources and information related to child nutrition, nutrition education, food distribution programs, and the Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Council.
  • School Breakfast Program Overview
    Information about applying for and administering the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
  • School Nutrition
    Meal and milk programs offered at public and private non-profit schools and residential child care institutions.
  • SNP Guidance, Manuals, and Resources
    The most recent guidance manuals, management bulletins, and other materials needed for proper administration of the School Nutrition Programs (SNP).
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