In 2021, California made history by becoming the first state in the country to pass School Meals for All, enabling all children in the state to eat nourishing school meals for free, regardless of their family’s income. We are thrilled that this week, Governor Newsom signed SB 348 (Skinner) into law, which builds on this great momentum and makes California the first state in the country to codify President Biden’s new federal school meal guidelines on nutrition standards, and ensures that children have adequate time to eat those meals during their school lunch periods.
We are especially grateful to Senator Skinner, who has made expanding access to school meals a pillar of her work in the California legislature, and to all of our coalition partners who advocated for this important policy: the Office of Kat Taylor, GRACE / End Child Poverty California, American Heart Association, California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Eat Real, Gasol Foundation, No Kid Hungry, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
“This is a victory not just for California kids but for everyone in this state,” said Becky Silva, director of government relations for the California Association of Food Banks. “This bill both strengthens the nutritional value of school meals and also ensures students have adequate time to eat those meals — inspiring kids to eat more fruits and vegetables to power their education. We are grateful for Senator Skinner’s unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership in getting this done.”
Joint Statement: California Stakeholders Condemn Senate Budget Bill’s Historic Threat to SNAP and California Families and Workers
Governor Newsom Signs 2025-26 Budget
#MemberMonday: Community Action of Napa Valley
Hunger is a Policy Choice: Proposed Cuts to Social Programs Fuel California’s Food Insecurity Crisis
All Are Welcome at the Table: Celebrating Pride with Purpose
California SNAP Stakeholders Denounce House H.R. 1 Vote that Makes Historic Cuts to Federal Food Assistance
Final Call for CalFood: Essential Funding Fuels Student Success in Higher Education
United for a Hunger-Free California: Highlights from Capitol Action Day 2025
State Senator John Laird and State Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen Recognized for Advocacy Efforts as CalFood Champions
#MemberMonday: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank