FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 1, 2025
Contact: Sanjida Nahar | snahar@actumllc.com
No Kid Hungry California Applauds Final Budget’s Inclusion of Universal School Meals and Summer EBT Amid Difficult Fiscal Climate
Sacramento, Calif. – No Kid Hungry California commends Governor Newsom for signing the final 2025–26 state budget and reaffirming his steadfast commitment to children’s health and well-being—even in one of the most challenging fiscal years in recent memory.
Despite significant budget constraints, the Governor protected critical investments in programs that ensure every child in California has access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This includes full funding for the Universal School Meals Program, bringing the state’s annual investment to approximately $1.5 billion. An additional $160 million in one-time funds was included to support program implementation through kitchen infrastructure, training, and staffing investments. Together with $2.6 billion in projected federal reimbursements, this funding guarantees that every public school student continues to receive free, nutritious meals during the school day.
The final budget also secures $21.9 million in ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund to implement the new federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program—known as SUN Bucks—matching an equal amount of federal funding. These resources will help ensure children who rely on school meals during the academic year have access to groceries during the summer months as well.
“Governor Newsom’s leadership in this budget cycle makes clear that California’s kids remain a top priority, even in times of economic difficulty,” said Kathy Saile, Director of No Kid Hungry California. “Universal school meals and the Summer EBT program are game-changers in the fight against childhood hunger. We are deeply grateful that the Governor continues to champion these vital programs.”
The final budget also preserves California’s long-term commitment to food access, with $117.2 million included in 2027–28 and $163.2 million in 2028–29 to expand the California Food Assistance Program, ensuring nutrition support reaches more low-income Californians.
No Kid Hungry California also extends its heartfelt thanks to First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom for her continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of children’s nutrition and overall well-being.
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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 Update: July 3, 2025
