CA AB1178

Establishes a state reimbursement process for summer meal program operators who serve meals to guardians of eligible pupils, with reimbursement adjusted annually for inflation.

Requires guardians to be physically present at the summer meal program site to receive a reimbursed meal, unless noncongregate rules apply, and limits reimbursement to one guardian per eligible pupil.

Directs the State Department of Education to develop guidance for summer meal program operators and distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to eligible families.

Requires summer meal program operators to report the number of guardian meals served by meal site within 30 days after summer operations end.

Implementation is contingent upon legislative appropriation, with reimbursement commencing no earlier than one year after funding is approved; authorizes the department to seek federal waivers if necessary.