CNIPS Project Information Page
What is CNIPS?
The CNIPS is the California Department of Education's Web-based system for administering the federal and state Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast, Food Distribution, Special Milk, Child and Adult Care Food, Summer Food Service, and Seamless Summer Feeding Option programs. This system will significantly streamline, simplify, and modernize the ways in which local educational agencies (LEAs/sponsors) administer these programs, submit applications, site changes, claims for reimbursement, and other administrative actions.
How will CNIPS benefit nutrition program sponsors?
- Submit applications, renewals/annual updates, claims for reimbursement, and site change requests online
- Increase timeliness and accuracy of claims submission, processing, and payments
- Reduce administrative burden on local agencies
- Access site and agency information across programs
CNIPS Project Schedule
| Activity | Target Date |
|---|---|
Summer Food Service Implementation |
Summer 2009* |
| Food Distribution Implementation | Winter 2009* |
| Child and Adult Care Food Program Implementation | April 2010* |
*Dates subject to change
CNIPS System Requirements
- A valid e-mail address
- Access to the Internet using one of the following Web browsers:
- Netscape 6.0 or later version
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or later version
- Firefox 0.8 or later version
- Adobe Reader 7.0 (Outside Source) or later version. This software is free.
School Nutrition Program Implementation
On November 25, 2008, sponsors began to submit October claims via the CNIPS.
On August 25, 2008, sponsors began to prepare sponsor and site application(s) for submission online by referring to the directions in the Quick Start Guide. Instructional materials are available at SNP CNIPS Training.
- Frequently Asked Questions for SNP (Updated Feb-2009)
A list of frequently asked questions concerning School Nutrition Programs segments in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System. - Point of Sale File Layout Specifications (Updated 17-Sep-2008; DOC; 150KB; 10pp.)
- SNP CNIPS Training (Updated 25-Nov-08)
- Reimbursement Claims Component Rollout Letter (Posted 10-Dec-2008)
- CNIPS Quick Start Guide Letter (Posted Aug-2008)
- CNIPS Implementation Letter (Posted Aug-2008)
- CNIPS Progress Letter (Posted Jul-2008)
- CNIPS Update Letter (Posted May-2008)
May 13, 2008 letter to Food Services Directors and CNIPS Administrators regarding implementation plans. - CNIPS Flyer (Updated Aug-2008; DOC; 361KB; 1p.)
- CNIPS Presentation (Updated Aug-2008; PPT; 73KB; 10 slides)
Accessible Alternative Version of the CNIPS Presentation - SNP Mailing List
Sign up to receive school program CNIPS updates via e-mail.
Summer Food Service Program Implementation
- CNIPS Summer Food Point of Sale Specs (Posted 01-Jun-2009; DOC; 132KB; 9pp.)
Point of service system specifications for the SFSP CNIPS module. - SFSP Module for Year-round Sponsors (Posted 01-Jun-2009)
SFSP CNIPS sponsor update for year-round sponsors. - SFSP Module in the CNIPS Letter (Posted 15-Apr-2009)
