California

California continues to lead the nation in school nutrition policy. Since the 2022–23 school year, all K-12 public school students in the state have had access to free school meals, making California the first state to implement universal school meals on a permanent basis. Despite ongoing budget pressures, the program remains a top priority, with continued funding and support from state leadership.

In early 2025, new legislation (SB 341) was introduced to expand the state’s approach to school food by reviving and broadening the Instructional School Garden Program. The bill aims to support both instruction and garden maintenance, deepening the connection between students and the food they eat.

FoodCorps remains an active member of the School Meals for All Coalition and is proud to support advocacy efforts around SB 341 and the long-term success of universal school meals across California.