LunchAssist PRO 2.0, CACFP Reimbursement Rates & Audit Prep

Here’s what you need to know this week:

PRO 2.0 is here! 🎉

Our team has spent the first half of 2026 building a new version of LunchAssist PRO that includes lots of new features & improvements! The new software has upgraded management tools, the ability to assign training videos to staff, the ability to upload & track food safety certifications, improved search function, website notifications, mobile-friendly design, and a new, modern look. ✨

We hope you enjoy the new version as much as we do! 🧡 If you’re not already a PRO member, email mike@lunchassist.org to sign up!

➡️ If you are a PRO member and would like to join us for a live demo of PRO 2.0, register here!

CACFP Reimbursement Rates

On Monday, the SY 26-27 CACFP Reimbursement Rates were published! We’ve updated our reimbursement rates charts accordingly. See all program rates at a glance:

• SY 26-27 California Rates
• SY 26-27 Federal Rates

P.S. We’re still waiting for California’s state adjustment for the NSLP USDA Foods Value.

Get Audit Ready!

In California, CDE has published the lists of schools getting a Procurement Review or Administrative Review in SY 26-27. If y ou’re getting audited, be sure to register for the free webinars we are hosting on these topics!

✨ Aug. 20: Procurement Review Prep Call

✨ Sep. 3: SNP AR Kick-Off Call

If you know you’d like to work with a LunchAssist consultant this year, please schedule a call with Mike to sign up. We are still taking on new clients, but our capacity is filling up quick! Remember we also have the Procurement Review Support Series and AR Boot Camp online courses - both available inside of LunchAssist PRO. 👍

⭐️ Resources

• July Checklist
• UPDATED! SY 26-27 Federal Reimbursement Rates Chart
• UPDATED! SY 26-27 California Reimbursement Rates Chart
• UPDATED! SY 26-27 Adult Meal Pricing Tool
• Summer Meals Flyer: English & Spanish
• Input Survey for The Lunch Break 2026
• Training Library Course Catalog
• ICYMI! The Lunch Break May 7 Recording

📆 Upcoming Events

• Jul. 30: Procuring with Efficiency: Writing Specifications That Work - ICN
• ✨ Aug. 6: The Lunch Break by LunchAssist ~ all things Back-to-School!
• ✨ Aug. 20: Procurement Review Prep Call by LunchAssist!

• ✨ Sep. 3: SY 26-27 SNP AR Kick-Off Call on The Lunch Break!

• Register for The Lunch Break in 2026!

LunchAssist is an allowable use of the Cafeteria Fund, KIT Funds, and R&R Grant. 🥳 Schedule a demo to learn more.