FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 14, 2025
Contact: Sanjida Nahar | snahar@actumllc.com | 818-912-9055
No Kid Hungry California Acknowledges Ongoing Commitment to Universal School Meals Amid Budget Constraints
Sacramento, Calif. – Amid the difficult fiscal choices reflected in the May Revision to the 2025–26 state budget, No Kid Hungry California recognizes and appreciates Governor Newsom’s continued commitment to ensuring California’s children do not bear the brunt of the state’s economic challenges.
This investment brings California’s total ongoing commitment to the program to approximately $1.5 billion annually, ensuring every public school student has access to free, nutritious meals at school. This state investment continues to complement the projected $2.6 billion in federal meal reimbursements provided to local educational agencies.
Additionally, the revised budget proposal includes $21.9 million in additional ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund to support the implementation of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, also known as SUN Bucks. These state funds will provide the required match for an equal amount of federal dollars, enabling California to deliver summer grocery benefits to students who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals—helping ensure access to food when school is out.
“Governor Newsom’s budget proposal demonstrates a deep and ongoing commitment to student success, health, and equity,” said Kathy Saile, Director of No Kid Hungry California. “Universal school meals and the Summer EBT program are proven tools for ending childhood hunger and boosting academic performance. We’re grateful for the Governor’s continued leadership in making sure every child in California is nourished and ready to learn.”
The May Revision also outlines long-term investments in food access, including $117.2 million in 2027–28 and $163.2 million in 2028–29 to expand the California Food Assistance Program, which extends vital nutrition support to more low-income Californians.
No Kid Hungry California also thanks First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom for her steadfast advocacy for children’s nutrition and well-being. Her leadership continues to be vital in the fight to end childhood hunger across the state.
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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: May 14, 2025
