Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Powering Up with Plant-Based Programs

The School Nutrition Programs Powering Up with Plant-based Programs online training.

Course Description

Learn why more than 200 school districts across the country and dozens in California are increasing their plant-based menu offerings to complement the national nutrition standards while meeting student demand. This webinar is from the California Department of Education (CDE) in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States and is recommended for all agencies interested in learning more about increasing their plant-based menu offerings.

  • Course Number: 894
  • Training Length: 1 hour
  • Certificate: Available at the end of training
  • Target Audience: Food Service Director and Staff
  • Mandatory: No
  • Cost: Free
  • Course updated: January 2018

Online Course

Referenced Resources

The following resource is referred to in this online course:

Crediting

  • Crediting: 1 hour
  • Key Area: Nutrition (1000)
    • Training Topic: Menu Planning (1100)
      • Learning Objective: Plan menus that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition requirements (1110)  

For more information on crediting, access the USDA web document Professional Standards Learning Objectives External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF).

Additional Information

For more information regarding offering vegetarian meals in schools, see the CDE Plant-Based Meal Options in Child Nutrition Programs web page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact the CDE Nutrition Services Division by phone at 800-952-5609 or email your School Nutrition Program questions to SNPinfo@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Monday, September 23, 2024
Related Content
  • Child Nutrition Programs Course Catalog
    A catalog of online training courses for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Child Nutrition Programs Resource Library
    A library of online resources for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Food Service Staff Education and Training
    Information for new School Nutrition Program (SNP) professionals and an overview of the School Nutrition and Summer Nutrition Programs, online trainings, resources, and program contact information.
  • Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education
    Information about improving nutrition and establishing healthy eating habits in school, child care, adult and after school settings.
  • Plant-based Meal Options in CNPs
    Includes definitions, background, health benefit information, how to take action, resources, online trainings, and policy guidance for program operators participating in the Child Nutrition Programs and interested in offering plant-based meals.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • 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.
  • Availability of the 2025-26 Breakfast Grant (added 14-Jan-2025)
    The School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Start-up and Expansion Grants, administered by the California Department of Education, provide schools with funding to start-up or expand their SBP and SMP.
  • NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant: Allowable Costs (added 10-Jan-2025)
    The USDA issued Policy Memo SP 06-2025: National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants (EAG): Installation Expenditures which provides guidance on costs related to installing and using new equipment purchased with EAG funds.
  • 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.
  • Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency (added 08-Jan-2025)
    Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency to support the communities impacted by the Palisades Fire.

  • Buy American Provision (added 08-Jan-2025)
    This management bulletin provides school food authorities (SFAs) with updates to the Buy American requirements included in the final rule titled Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • FFAVORS new requirement (added 08-Jan-2025)
    Effective January 5, 2025, (FFAVORS) user are now required to receipt within 2 business days of receipt of product or required delivery date (RDD).
  • CNIPS Update (added 06-Jan-2025)
    Transition of Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) server hosting and maintenance from California Department of Technology to California Department of Education (CDE).
  • October 22, 2024 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 03-Jan-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar October 22, 2024.
  • SNP-11-2024 Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 17-Dec-2024)
    This MB updates and replaces USDA-CNP-04-2010, related to Fluid Milk Substitutions in SNPs to align with the Final Rule.