How to Request To-Go Ramadan Meal Kits for Muslim Students (San Diego County)
The USDA has approved the California Department of Education’s request to provide non-congregate (to-go) meal kits for fasting students during the month of Ramadan. The waiver, initiated last year, would allow schools to provide fasting students with to-go meals during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is set to take place from Feb. 17 to March 18, 2026. While this waiver has recently been approved in California, other states are still able to submit a request through the USDA to participate in the non-congregate meal program for Ramadan.
This year, several school districts in San Diego County are offering take-home breakfast and lunch for K-12 Muslim students. Use the links below to learn more about each district’s take-home meal program and how you can request a meal kit for your K-12 student.
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD)
This Ramadan, San Diego Unified School District is partnering with Sandi Coast Cafe to provide take-home meals for fasting students. Meals (breakfast & lunch) will be available for pickup at the end of each school day. School sites will determine the meal pickup location based on volume of requests and available space.
Poway Unified School District (PUSD)
Between February 23 and March 19, 2026, PUSD students who are fasting for Ramadan may pick up bagged, shelf-stable meals from their school cafeteria during the meal period, and bring them home for later. Parents/guardians must pre-register students for this option.
San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD)
San Marcos Unified School District Child Nutrition Services will offer “grab & go meals” to ensure every student has access to the nutrition they need. We are committed to promoting health equity and nutrition security by providing wholesome food options for students who are fasting during the school day. This initiative will be effective from February 17 through March 19, 2026.
Is your school district not providing Ramadan meal kits? CAIR-CA’s Center for the Prevention of Hate and Bullying (CPHB) has created letter templates for you to send to your school district to request they opt into providing meal kits during Ramadan.