Compliance and Resources
Overview
In School Year (SY) 2022–23, California became the first state to implement a statewide Universal Meals Program for school children. California’s Universal Meals Program (Universal Meals) builds on the foundations of the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). There are three key pillars to ensure that the program is a success:
Pillar One: California’s State Meal Mandate is expanded to include both a nutritiously adequate breakfast and lunch for, not just needy children, but all children each school day.
Pillar Two: High poverty schools will be required to participate in a federal provision.
Pillar Three: The California State Legislature allocates funds to provide state meal reimbursement to cover the cost of the Universal Meals Program.
Visit the CDE website to learn more about the Universal Meals Program
For more information, please contact: