Celebrate! New Law Creates Hunger Free Schools in CA

Published on Oct 13, 2017 in Child Nutrition, School-Aged Children, State Legislation

SB 138 icon

10.13.2017 We are thrilled to announce that SB 138 (McGuire) was signed into law by Governor Brown yesterday, Thursday October 12th. Thanks to your support and advocacy, this new law will guarantee that more than 650,000 California children have the nutrition they need to succeed. SB 138 is a win for everyone — schools, students, families, and California.

As signed, SB 138 will…

  • Seamlessly enroll more than 650,000 students into school meals through Medi-Cal Direct Certification; and
  • Ensure that high-poverty schools make breakfast and lunch available free of charge to all students through federal universal meal provisions.
  • Why this matters

    More than one in four California children live in poverty. Over 1.7 million California households with children struggle to put food on the table. When a child goes hungry, their ability to learn, grow and thrive is compromised. School meals are very effective at fighting the devastating effects of child poverty. SB 138 will reduce child hunger by giving schools the best tools available to address the inequities, and give children a better chance to succeed.

    What’s next

    As we move toward implementation of SB 138 on January 1, 2018, there will be opportunities to work with local partners to promote Medi-Cal Direct Certification and how to make the most Community Eligibility Provision in our schools. CFPA will work closely with the California Department of Education to ensure that the implementation of SB 138 is seamless and the benefits are maximized. Stay tuned for more information from CFPA as we outline next steps and upcoming opportunities to engage.

    SB 138 could not have passed without your help!

    Students, parents, and organizations across California came together to advocate for this bill because they recognized how important it is to breakdown barriers that get in the way of accessing school meals. THANK YOU for your support and contributions to this effort, especially No Kid Hungry California. Most importantly, we want to thank the author of this bill, Senator McGuire and his staff for their commitment and leadership.

    Read SB 138, as chaptered. link
    Read CFPA’s letter to the Governor. PDF
    Read the press release. PDF

    To learn more, visit CFPA’s SB 138 page.

    Questions? Contact Elyse Homel Vitale at 510.433.1122 ext 206.

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