Meal Patterns & Menu Planning

Information and resources on the federally mandated meal patterns, menu planning options, and meal documentation requirements for all child nutrition programs.

School Nutrition Programs

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations

The CNP-925 (CDE Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations Form) is located in the Download Forms Section of the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System .

Menu Planning and Production Record Forms
Forms used to determine the amount of food to serve for menu production.

School Menu Planning Options
Information and resources on the new Food-Based Menu Planning (FBMP) approach for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and current menu planning for the School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Summer Food Service Program

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations

The CNP-925 (CDE Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations Form) is located in the Download Forms Section of the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System .

Available translations of the Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations for Child Nutrition Programs (Dated Aug-2017)

Nutrition Requirements
USDA information and resources on the menu planning, preparation documentation, and MP for sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Questions: Education and Nutrition Policy Unit | SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Thursday, January 25, 2024

Related Content

Child Nutrition Programs Course Catalog
A catalog of online training courses for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs.
Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education
Information about improving nutrition and establishing healthy eating habits in school, child care, adult and after school settings.
School Nutrition
Meal and milk programs offered at public and private non-profit schools and residential child care institutions.
Summer Meal Programs
Federal meal programs for children from low-income areas during vacation and off-track periods, including summertime.

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

2025–26 FFVP Request for Applications Available (added 14-Feb-2025)
The CDE NSD announces a grant opportunity for elementary schools to participate in the FFVP. The FFVP grant period is July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. All eligible agencies, both current FFVP grantees and new applicants, must respond online to this RFA.
Tri-Union Seafoods Issues Tuna Recall (added 13-Feb-2025)
Tri-Union Seafoods Issues recall of select tuna cans due to clostridium botulinum risk.
2025 SFSP Reimbursement Rates (added 11-Feb-2025)
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) 2025 reimbursement rates are now available.
2025–26 CNP Reimbursement Rates (added 10-Feb-2025)
Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal reimbursement rates.
Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas: Q&A #3 (added 10-Feb-2025)
The USDA issued a policy memorandum Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas: Questions and Answers #3, which provides further clarification on rural non-congregate requirements.

Fees for Electronic Payment Services in the School (added 31-Jan-2025)
The memorandum clarifies policy related to fees associated with electronic (online) payments and ensures students determined eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits receive the benefits.
Webinars: Scratch Cooking & Reducing Sodium (added 30-Jan-2025)
The CICN hosts a live webinar addressing How to Transition to Scratch Cooking in Schools - First Steps. The USDA Meal Talk Webinar to share strategies to reduce sodium and engage students in menu planning.
SY 2025–26 USDA Foods Available List and Pricing (added 29-Jan-2025)
This report provides an estimated price per pound, per case, and per truck for all USDA Foods items available in school year (SY) 2025-26.
Waiver for Non-congregate Meals During Ramadan (added 14-Jan-2025)
The Waiver for Non-congregate Meals During Ramadan allows approved school food authorities to offer non-congregate meals to students fasting during Ramadan.
Buy American Provision (added 10-Jan-2025)
The Buy American provision is a procurement standard that SFAs must comply with when purchasing food products served in School Nutrition Programs (SNP). SFAs are required to purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable.