Calif. Becomes First State to Offer Free School Meals to All Children: 'This Benefits Everyone'

Mar. 15, 2025

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California has become the first state in the nation to offer free school meals.

Called Universal Meals, the program builds on the foundations of the federal National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, according to theCalifornia Board of Education.

More than 5.8 million students — the state’s public school enrollment count in April, perCal Matters— will benefit from the policy.

Merced Union High School District has already started giving free breakfasts and lunches to students because of the program, which launches across the state this school year,ABC Newsreported.

The program is part of state Assembly Bill 130, landmark legislation that focuses on education finance. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law last year, according toThe Sacramento Bee.

“We know that many California children are food insecure, and if you’re hungry you cannot learn well,” state Sen. Nancy Skinner, who helped to spearhead the program, toldEdSourcelast year.

About 1 in 6 six children in the U.S. experienced food security in 2021, according toFeeding America.

“When a student would come through a lunch line and they were considered to be a free student, it would create definitely a barrier with getting meals during the day,” Erin Tassey, director of nutritional services for Merced Union High School District, toldKABC.

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One student told the news station, “I remember when I was in elementary school I had to pay for lunch and I really didn’t like that. It’s nice to know that this benefits everyone overall.”

“We commend Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of universal school meals and continuing to provide the crucial ongoing funding to combat food insecurity so our kids can learn and thrive in the classroom,” No Kid Hungry California Director Kathy Saile said in astatementin May.

Maine is expected to follow California’s lead, as ABC News reported Gov. Janet Mills signed similar legislation last year.

source: people.com