2026-27 School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Program (SMP) Start-Up and Expansion Grant

The California Department of Education (CDE) is offering competitive grants of up to $15,000 per school site for nonrecurring expenses incurred when initiating or expanding a School Breakfast Program (SBP) or Summer Meal Program (SMP). The grant is intended to support public school districts, county offices of education, and directly funded charter schools in starting or expanding their SBP or SMP. Eligible applicants must have at least 20 percent of students enrolled at the site approved for Free/Reduced Price meals for SBP grants, and meet Summer Food Service Program eligibility criteria for SMP grants. The grant funding can be used for nonrecurring expenses such as equipment, supplies, and training. • The grant application must be submitted online by 4 p.m. on February 13, 2026. • The CDE will award grants on a competitive basis, with a maximum award of $15,000 per site. • Recipients will receive 90 percent of the funding at the time of award, with the remaining 10 percent awarded upon approval of all invoices. • The grant period is from the date of award until February 2027.