Landmark Proposal to Guarantee Healthy School Meals for All California Students Passes First Assembly Test

SB 348 Puts More Healthy School Meal Options in School Cafeterias, Supports Student Health, and Promotes Academic Success

Sacramento, CA – The California State Assembly’s Committee on Education approved SB 348 (Skinner) this morning, advancing a bill that would protect student health and improve student success by providing more healthy meal options at school. This comes on the heels of a triumph in the State Senate, where it earned unanimous support in committees and a full vote on the Senate floor.

“Giving California students access to more nutritious food is an important step toward improving students’ overall health, as well as giving them the best possible chance to succeed in school,” said Dr. Lena Al-Sarraf, American Heart Association volunteer. “By supporting SB 348, the Assembly Education Committee has recognized that implementing pediatrician recommended reductions of sugar and sodium in school meals is about making sure kids have every opportunity to maximize their learning potential and endorse the importance of physical health starting from a young age.”

The measure builds on California’s landmark School Meals for All legislation, which provides two free meals for students regardless of their family’s income. SB 348 also expands access to free meals on half-days, and examines best practices for ensuring students have enough time to eat.

“We are grateful for Senator Skinner’s unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership to bolster California’s first in the nation School Meals for All,” said Becky Silva director of government relations for the California Association of Food Banks. “The bill not only strengthens the nutritional value of school meals, but also ensures students have adequate time to eat nutritious meals, inspiring them to eat more fruits and vegetables while alleviating hunger.”

“SB 348 is about providing students with meal options at school that support their health, well-being and cognitive development. Foods rich in brain-boosting nutrients with less added sugars and salt can help students form good eating habits at a young age, but also may help with their academic performance by improving their concentration and energy levels,” said Silva Boumjahed, MS, RDN, President of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “California can lead the nation in bolstering mental and physical health through nutritious school meals by passing this important bill.”