State Meal Mandate

Management Bulletin (MB) SNP-05-2026: State Meal Mandate, has been updated to clarify existing guidance and outline the requirements for meals served under the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to also comply with applicable state meal pattern requirements outlined in California Education Code (EC) Section 49501.5.

The MB is available on the California Department of Education (CDE) School Nutrition Programs (SNP) MBs web page.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the subject, please contact your county’s SNP Specialist. A list of SNP Specialists is available on the CDE School Nutrition Programs Specialist Directory web page or you may contact the SNP Unit at SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Monday, March 2, 2026

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Related Content

California Universal Meals
Includes background, policy, provisions, webinars, resources, FAQs, and contacts regarding California’s Universal Meals Program.
School Nutrition Programs Management Bulletins
School Nutrition Programs (SNP) management bulletins for sponsors of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, and State Meal Program.

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

Updated Sample FSMC RFP and Contract in CNIPS (added 13-Mar-2026)
An updated Sample Food Service Management Company Request for Proposals and Model Fixed-price Contract document is now available. Updates include revised Buy American and California Agricultural Preference requirements and clarified responsibilities.
2026 SUN Bucks Data Submission (added 13-Mar-2026)
Information on 2026 SUN Bucks data submission.
CEP Application Information (added 12-Mar-2026)
This listserv provides information on applying for the CEP.
Interagency Agreements in School Food Service (added 12-Mar-2026)
This management bulletin provides guidance on interagency agreement requirements when administering the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) at unaffiliated schools.
Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 12-Mar-2026)
School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.

Summer Food Service Program Annual Updates (added 12-Mar-2026)
The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) is pleased to announce that the SFSP 2026 Program Year is now open.
Reimbursement for Off-Site Meal Consumption (added 02-Mar-2026)
SNP-06-2026 provides guidance on serving NSLP and SBP meals for off-site consumption.
Honoring Cultural Preferences in School Nutrition (added 02-Mar-2026)
This webinar highlights best practices for incorporating student cultural food preferences honoring Black voice and other cultures, in menu offerings, strengthen student trust and engagement, and support equity in school meal participation.
State Meal Mandate (added 02-Mar-2026)
SNP-05-2026 addresses the requirements for LEAs to serve and claim NSLP and SBP meals for both state and federal reimbursement.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (added 27-Feb-2026)
Announcing an update to the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 - Eat Real Food