Food with Care (SB 1481) Passes Senate Human Services, Moves on to Appropriations

Published on Apr 21, 2022 in State Legislation, Young Children

SB 1481 (Becker): Food with Care passed out of the Senate Human Services Committee yesterday, moving us one step closer to free meals for all kids in preschool and child care. Nourish California and the CACFP Roundtable, the bill’s cosponsors, would like to thank supporters of the bill for the strong showing at today’s hearing.

Over 20 organizations and individuals across the state submitted letters in support of the bill. We are grateful for all who took time out of their busy schedules to make their voices heard. Together, we can create a more equitable meal program in preschool and child care that ensures free meals for all kids and fair pay for providers. Thank you.

We would like to give a special thank you to Celeste Galeno of  Little Lambs Day Care in Tulare, CA. Celeste shared with Committee members the challenges providers face serving meals amid rising costs and inadequate reimbursements. We greatly appreciate her willingness to share her experience and expertise.

We would also like to thank Senator Becker for his leadership on SB 1481, and for his ongoing commitment to improving access to food for our youngest learners.

You can view the SB 1481 hearing testimony below.

What’s next?

We have three advocacy actions you can take right now in support of SB 1481:

1) SB 1481 now moves on to the Senate Appropriations Committee. We are asking supporters to call, email, and send letters to key Committee members expressing support for Food with Care.

Take action today! Click here for member contact info, instructions, and sample scripts can all be found here.

2) We are also advancing a state budget request to allocate the funding called for in SB 1481. Click here to read our budget sign-on letter add your organization in support of funding Food with Care.

3) Stay informed! Sign up to receive SB 1481 Food with Care updates at our Action Center. 

Have questions about upcoming advocacy opportunities? Contact Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org or Kameron Mims-Jones at kameron@nourishca.org.

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