School Lunches/Snacks

The department provides nutrition programs for students in grades K-12 in California. Services include school lunches. There are no geographic restrictions.

The department manages the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is a federally assisted meal program for public and non-profit private schools. Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the program; children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals.

School lunches must meet meal pattern and nutrition standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans; however, local school authorities may decide what specific foods to serve and how they are prepared.