1.27.2014 Over the past few years, the California Legislature has responded to our collective advocacy by prioritizing nutrition in ECE settings. For example, AB 2084, enacted in 2010, improved the nutritional quality of beverages served in all licensed child care. In 2012, AB 1872 garnered broad legislative and community support to set basic nutrition standards for all foods served in licensed family day care homes, however the bill was vetoed by the Governor. And last year, AB 290, a bill that established nutrition training for early childhood educators, was passed.
In contrast to these legislative efforts, the Governor eliminated the majority of ECE nutrition funding in 2012. With an improving budget environment, CFPA has developed a proposal that we believe is a logical accompaniment to previous legislative efforts. In brief, we are asking the Legislature to require the state to reimburse all ECE programs enrolled in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) $0.2229 for each free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch served. This proposal is analogous to California’s long-standing, state-funded contributions to K-12 meals, where school districts are also reimbursed $0.2229 for each free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch served.
The Budget Committees of the Senate and Assembly are just starting to meet – now is the time to start advocating for this ECE nutrition investment! To ensure this budget request gets included in the Senate and Assembly versions of the budget, CFPA encourages you to talk with your Legislators immediately, particularly if your Assembly Member or Senator serves on the Education Finance Sub-Committee.
Assembly Budget Sub-Committee 2 (Education)
Al Muratsuchi (Chair) – District 66 link
Rocky Chávez – District 76 link
Matthew Dababneh – District 45 link
Brian Nestande – District 42 link
Philip Ting – District 19 link
Senate Budget Sub-Committee 1 (Education)
Marty Block (Chair) – District 39 link
Roderick Wright – District 35 link
Mark Wyland – District 38 link
CFPA developed this “Backgrounder” document to help you make a clear request when you talk to your Legislator. Feel free to make copies and distribute. PDF
Learn more about ECE Nutrition Investments. link
Questions? Contact Elyse Homel Vitale at 510.433.1122 ext. 206
