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和 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.”
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
Governor Releases May Revise State Budget Proposal
California SNAP Stakeholders Denounce House Agriculture Committee’s Devastating Cuts to SNAP Food Assistance
New Data Reveals Direct Impact of Pending $50+ Million Drop in State Funding on California’s Food Banks
#MemberMonday:Jacobs & Cushman 圣地亚哥食品银行
关于推进预算协调的声明,提议大幅削减社会保障和粮食援助
以一场有力而深刻的对话拉开 Food ACCESS 演讲系列的序幕
SB 1383 如何影响加州食品银行