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Food Distribution Program Assistance Manual

Information and guidance for all agencies who receive foods through the Food Distribution Program.

General Information

The Food Distribution Program Administrative Manual (FDPA Manual) was developed to provide information about the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Distribution Programs as administered by the California Department of Education (CDE).

The manual contains USDA and CDE's policies, procedures, forms, and samples to assist you in administering state and federal donated food programs.

It was prepared by the Nutrition Services Division of the CDE, with funding from the USDA.

For further clarification about the information in the manual, consult the Code of Federal Regulations, or the California Education Code sections cited at the beginning of the chapters and lettered sections.

Contents

The FDPA Manual is being updated. For copies or questions regarding the FDPA Manual, please contact:

Amy Bell
Food Distribution Program
Email: abell@cde.ca.gov

Questions:   Food Distribution Program | FoodDistribution@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, March 7, 2024
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