California

The School Breakfast Program

The School Breakfast Program is a federally funded program that assists schools and other agencies in providing nutritious breakfasts to children at reasonable prices

Agency
California Department of Education
Type
Federal Program
Phone
800-952-5609
Application Period
Income Limit
Visit Website

The School Breakfast Program is a federally funded program that assists schools and other agencies in providing nutritious breakfasts to children at reasonable prices. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing the program nationally. In California, the program is administered by the California Department of Education.

The School Breakfast Program is a federally funded program that assists schools and other agencies in providing nutritious breakfasts to children at reasonable prices. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing the program nationally. In California, the program is administered by the California Department of Education.

Images & PDFs

SNAP-Ed Guidance

SNAP-Ed Guidance

A guidance document by USDA focusing on nutrition education and obesity prevention related to SNAP-Ed. It features visual examples of community engagement in nutrition education.

View Full Image

Impact Reports

Addressing Childhood Hunger: The Role of School Breakfast Programs

10/1/2020 | Coverage: national

This USDA report outlines how School Breakfast Programs contribute to combating childhood hunger across the nation, particularly in light of economic challenges.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Coverage Area: national

California School Breakfast Program Evaluation

3/10/2022 | Coverage: state

An evaluation of California's School Breakfast Program, focusing on its impact on student health and community wellness.

Source: California Department of Education

Coverage Area: state

School Breakfast Programs: Bridging the Gap in Nutritional Equity

8/30/2019 | Coverage: national

This report from No Kid Hungry outlines how School Breakfast Programs provide vital support for families facing economic hardship.

Source: No Kid Hungry

Coverage Area: national

The Impact of School Breakfast Programs on Food Security

5/15/2021 | Coverage: state

This report evaluates the role of School Breakfast Programs in California and their effectiveness in improving food security among low-income students.

Source: California Department of Public Health

Coverage Area: state

Program Timeline

American Rescue Plan Act

3/11/2021

The act provided emergency funding to help schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all students due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill: American Rescue Plan Act
Party: Democratic

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

12/13/2010

The act provided funding to improve nutritional standards and increase participation in the School Breakfast Program.

Bill: Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
Party: Democratic

Expanded Access through Welfare Reform

4/1/1998

Welfare reform efforts included provisions to expand access to the School Breakfast Program for eligible children.

Bill: Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
Party: Bipartisan

Permanent Authorization of the Program

6/30/1975

The School Breakfast Program was made a permanent fixture in federal law.

Party: Bipartisan

School Breakfast Program Established

8/5/1966

The School Breakfast Program was established as a pilot initiative to provide breakfast to students in low-income areas.

Bill: Child Nutrition Act of 1966
Party: Democratic

FAQ

Schools interested in participating in the School Breakfast Program must first apply through the California Department of Education. They must meet certain nutritional standards and comply with federal and state regulations. Once approved, schools will receive federal reimbursement for the breakfasts served, allowing them to provide meals at little to no cost to students.

Here are some action items for schools looking to implement the program:

  1. Contact the California Department of Education for application guidance.
  2. Assess student needs and the potential number of participants.
  3. Plan menus that meet federal nutrition guidelines.
  4. Train staff on food preparation and safety protocols.

By following these steps, schools can successfully implement the School Breakfast Program and provide valuable meals to their students.

Reference: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/hs/sbp.asp

Implementation processes may vary; always consult current guidelines and state-specific requirements.

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) in California is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritious breakfast meals to children in schools. The program aims to ensure that students start their day with a healthy meal, which can improve their focus and academic performance. Participating schools receive federal funding to offer free or reduced-price breakfast to eligible students.

Reference: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/hs/sbp.asp

Eligibility for the School Breakfast Program in California primarily depends on household income. Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level qualify for free breakfast, while those from families with incomes between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price breakfast. Additionally, all students attending schools with a high percentage of low-income families may receive free meals regardless of individual income levels.

If you're considering applying for the School Breakfast Program, here's a helpful checklist:

  • Check household income against federal poverty guidelines.
  • Gather necessary documentation, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
  • Complete the school meal application form.
  • Submit the application to your child's school.

Following this checklist will help ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly.

Reference: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp

Eligibility requirements may change; please check with local authorities for the most current information.

Join Us on This Journey

Whether you're looking to improve your financial literacy or support our mission, we're here to help. Explore our resources, subscribe to our newsletter, and become part of our community.