Nourish California

The 2021-22 state budget announced June 28 includes a historic investment in school nutrition. Thanks to the leadership and vision of Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), California is the first state in the nation to allow free school meals to be served to all California K-12 students. The budget is a statement of our values as a state, and this year's plan makes a powerful statement the California will fight childhood hunger and invest in the well being of our students.

Specifically, the budget "launches the Universal School Meals Program, with an increase in state meal reimbursements by $54 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year and $650 million ongoing Proposition 98 funding beginning in 2022-23, to cover the costs of offering breakfast and lunch for all students.”

The legislature and Governor also deserve significant thanks for taking this bold step forward toward ending childhood hunger. Please take a few minutes to thank the budget leaders who helped secure this historic win. You can use this form to send a personalized message to Senator Nancy Skinner, Senator Toni Atkins, Assemblymember Phil Ting, Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, and the Governor.