School Year (SY) 2026–27 marks the fourth year of the current five-year School Nutrition Programs (SNP) administrative review (AR) cycle. This message provides a web link to the list of school food authorities (SFA) scheduled for an SNP AR in SY 2026-27 and prereview training (PRT) information.
Administrative Review Cycle
The California Department of Education (CDE) is currently operating under an approval waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that allows for a five-year AR cycle instead of the mandated three-year. The final year of this waiver is 2027–28.
The list of SFAs scheduled for an SNP AR in SY 2026–27 can be found on the CDE SNP AR web page on the Review Schedule tab. The number indicated on the left of the SFA’s name is the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) identification number. The web page also includes background information on the SNP AR; the review schedule; information on the prereview, on-site review, and post-review processes; and resources and training for the SNP AR.
Please note that the list of SFAs scheduled for an SNP AR is subject to change and the CDE will contact SFAs that may be added or removed from the AR schedule for SY 2026–27.
Prereview Training
If your SFA is scheduled for a 2026–27 SNP AR, information about the recommended PRT will be forthcoming. The CDE is providing the PRT in an online format.
Off-site Assessment Tool
The off-site portion of the SNP AR ─ the Off-site Assessment Tool (OAT) ─ will be available in the CNIPS starting July 3, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this subject, please contact Stephen Montano, Office Technician, Program Accountability Administration, by phone at 916-327-2256 or by email at smontano@cde.ca.gov.
Please note that the Education Code Section 49501.5 provides public school districts, county offices of education and charter schools with state meal reimbursement under the California Universal Meal Program. Failure to meet state and federal requirements and guidance may require the CDE to disallow state and/or federal meal reimbursement.