Nutrition Policy Institute’s latest research brief shows that California’s School Meals for All program provides meaningful financial relief for families across all income groups. In 2022-23, California launched School Meals for All to provide free school meals to all students enrolled in public schools, regardless of income. This was in response to the expiration of pandemic-era universal school meal waivers that temporarily expanded meal access across the U.S. during the 2020-2022 school years.
In 2023, NPI surveyed 843 California public school parents and conducted 21 interviews across varying income groups to assess the program’s early financial impact on families. Seventy-nine percent of surveyed parents reported that the program saves their families money. Additionally, 55% of parents said that their household finances would be negatively impacted if the program ended, including many families who do not qualify for free or reduced-priced meals under traditional federal guidelines. Ultimately, the research brief emphasizes the important role that California’s School Meals for All program plays in reducing financial strain and supporting food access for families across a wide range of income levels.
This research brief was a contribution amongst Nutrition Policy Institute researchers, Dania Orta-Aleman, Caitlin D French, Monica D Zuercher, Christina E Hecht, Hannah R Thompson, and Wendi Gosliner. This work was funded by the State of California through CA SB 170 (2021), CA SB 154 (2022), and CA SB 101 (2023). Learn more about NPI’s evaluation of California’s School Meals for All program.