For Immediate Release: June 27, 2024
Media Contact: Sanjida Nahar | snahar@actumllc.com | (818) 912-9055
No Kid Hungry California Responds to Governor Newsom’s Commitment to Ending Childhood Hunger in California
Sacramento, Calif. – The Director of No Kid Hungry California, in response to Governor Newsom’s and the Legislature’s finalized budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, has expressed strong support for the continued investment in key educational initiatives, including the universal school meals program.
We are thrilled that Governor Newsom has signed AB 107, which includes an increase of $120.784 million in one-time and $179.404 million in ongoing Proposition 98 funding, ensuring the continued support of the universal school meals program. This enhancement is further strengthened by the introduction of SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT), allocating $146.8 million for outreach, automation, and administration. This vital program is projected to serve millions of meals in the 2024-25 school year, ensuring that no child in California’s schools goes hungry. The inclusion of SUN Bucks, providing $40 per month for food in June, July, and August, underscores the state’s commitment to extending nutritional support beyond the school year, promoting food security for students throughout the summer months.
“Despite a challenging budget deficit, we have secured critical funding that supports the education, health, and well-being of California’s 5.9 million public school students. We share this win with the 150+ organizations that signed on to support School Meals for All this year. Please join us in thanking state leaders for their commitment to California’s students. California continues to set a new standard in ensuring students’ access to healthy and tasty meals. Thank you for your continued support!” said Kathy Saile, No Kid Hungry California Director.
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About No Kid Hungry
No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. Join us at nokidhungry.org.
Last updated: July 2, 2024