Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting free, healthy meals for the students in your program.

1. How much will this cost me?

Meals are free — as long as your site stays compliant. Because the program is funded through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), there's no cost to your program, provided your site keeps accurate counts and paperwork and maintains a meal consumption rate of at least 95% (meals served and actually eaten, not wasted). Keep that up and the program stays free. We serve Southern California, Northern California, and Arizona year-round.

2. Free meals? What's the catch?

No catch — just compliance. Your staff completes a short training and keeps daily counts (meals, attendance, and temperatures) plus monthly reports. leap handles the ordering, vendor coordination, compliance, and claims.

3. Is there a minimum number of meals?

Typically we partner with sites that have at least 25 students.

4. Can I choose the food?

Vendor menus are set to meet USDA requirements, but collaboration is welcome — and allergy and religious dietary accommodations are available.

5. What meals will we receive?

Fresh, well-balanced meals. Every meal includes a grain, fruit, vegetable, protein, and milk.

6. What grade levels qualify?

Pre-K through high school.

7. Is there a limit on how many meals we can serve?

It depends on your site and your attendance. New sites generally serve based on actual daily attendance. Returning SFSP (summer) sites have an ADP (Average Daily Participation) limit set from prior-year participation. Either way, your numbers are driven by how many students actually attend and are served — and leap helps you set and adjust them.

8. How long does the program run?

Year-round: the school year, summer, and seasonal breaks.

9. How does ordering work?

leap handles ordering once your site is approved; sites keep their numbers up to date through YUM, our service log system.

10. What if our meal counts change?

Please allow up to 5 business days for changes to take effect.

11. How do I know if my site qualifies?

Sites generally qualify when they're in an area where at least 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals — and leap helps you confirm with our qualification questionnaire.

12. How does delivery work?

Vendors deliver directly to your site on a set schedule, and leap coordinates everything.

13. What support does our staff get?

Training, supplies, forms, and ongoing support from the leap team.

Still have questions? Email us at customerservice@leapusa.org or visit our Contact page.

Question answered? Let's get you meals.