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| 1 | + | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2595Introduced by Assembly Member Luz RivasFebruary 14, 2024 An act to add Section 49549 to the Education Code, relating to school nutrition. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2595, as introduced, Luz Rivas. School nutrition: guardian meal reimbursement.Existing law requires each school district, county superintendent of schools, and charter school to make available a nutritionally adequate breakfast, as defined, and a nutritionally adequate lunch, as defined, free of charge during each schoolday to any pupil who requests a meal, without consideration of the pupils eligibility for a federally funded free or reduced-price meal, as provided. Existing law defines schoolday for these purposes to mean any day that pupils in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, are present at a schoolsite for purposes of instruction or educational activities, including, among other things, pupil attendance at summer school, including incoming kindergarten pupils, as provided.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes and to the extent authorized by federal law, require the State Department of Education to establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators, as defined, for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program that is hosted at a public library, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop related guidance, as specified, and, if necessary, to apply for a waiver of federal law to secure federal reimbursement for these meals. The bill would require the department to distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to guardians whose children are eligible for specified summer food programs. The bill would require a guardian of an eligible pupil to be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for that meal, unless noncongregate rules are in place. The bill would require participating summer meal program operators to report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by a meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Summer Caregiver Meal Pilot Act of 2024.SEC. 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) No child in California should experience hunger.(2) While child hunger rates were on the decline in California in recent years, the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related economic recession have increased childhood hunger to historic rates.(3) Data from the United States Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey shows that by October 2023, food insecurity for households with children in California was at 28 percent, with deep disparities for Black and Latino households at 49 and 33 percent, respectively.(4) In 2020, California became one of the first states in the country to pass School Meals for All, and starting with the 202223 school year, all children in California regardless of income are receiving free breakfast and lunch.(5) The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SSO and SFSP provide free meals to any child 18 years of age and younger. SSO and SFSP fight hunger over summer months, closing the gap when school lets out.(6) When a child is food insecure, their caregivers are likely food insecure too. Yet caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites cannot join their children in eating a nourishing meal together because of antiquated and burdensome program rules.(7) Studies have shown that children who eat with their parents or caregivers consume more fruits and vegetables.(8) Several summer meal program sites in California have piloted providing meals to caregivers, which have been largely successful in addressing food insecurity for the whole family, providing a bonding opportunity while families share a meal, and encouraging children to eat a nourishing and healthy meal.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot to enable summer meal programs located at public libraries to offer nourishing meals to caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites.SEC. 3. Section 49549 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 49548.3, to read:49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes.(b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed.(c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program.(d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.(e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section.(f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators.(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program.(2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil.(3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge.(4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program.(5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program.(h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year.(3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. | |
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 3 | - | ||
| 3 | + | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2595Introduced by Assembly Member Luz RivasFebruary 14, 2024 An act to add Section 49549 to the Education Code, relating to school nutrition. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2595, as introduced, Luz Rivas. School nutrition: guardian meal reimbursement.Existing law requires each school district, county superintendent of schools, and charter school to make available a nutritionally adequate breakfast, as defined, and a nutritionally adequate lunch, as defined, free of charge during each schoolday to any pupil who requests a meal, without consideration of the pupils eligibility for a federally funded free or reduced-price meal, as provided. Existing law defines schoolday for these purposes to mean any day that pupils in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, are present at a schoolsite for purposes of instruction or educational activities, including, among other things, pupil attendance at summer school, including incoming kindergarten pupils, as provided.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes and to the extent authorized by federal law, require the State Department of Education to establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators, as defined, for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program that is hosted at a public library, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop related guidance, as specified, and, if necessary, to apply for a waiver of federal law to secure federal reimbursement for these meals. The bill would require the department to distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to guardians whose children are eligible for specified summer food programs. The bill would require a guardian of an eligible pupil to be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for that meal, unless noncongregate rules are in place. The bill would require participating summer meal program operators to report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by a meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO | |
| 4 | 4 | ||
| 5 | - | Amended IN Senate June 26, 2024 | |
| 6 | 5 | ||
| 7 | - | Amended IN Senate June 26, 2024 | |
| 6 | + | ||
| 7 | + | ||
| 8 | 8 | ||
| 9 | 9 | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION | |
| 10 | 10 | ||
| 11 | 11 | Assembly Bill | |
| 12 | 12 | ||
| 13 | 13 | No. 2595 | |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| 15 | 15 | Introduced by Assembly Member Luz RivasFebruary 14, 2024 | |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| 17 | 17 | Introduced by Assembly Member Luz Rivas | |
| 18 | 18 | February 14, 2024 | |
| 19 | 19 | ||
| 20 | 20 | An act to add Section 49549 to the Education Code, relating to school nutrition. | |
| 21 | 21 | ||
| 22 | 22 | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 23 | 23 | ||
| 24 | 24 | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 25 | 25 | ||
| 26 | - | AB 2595, as | |
| 26 | + | AB 2595, as introduced, Luz Rivas. School nutrition: guardian meal reimbursement. | |
| 27 | 27 | ||
| 28 | - | Existing law requires each school district, county superintendent of schools, and charter school to make available a nutritionally adequate breakfast, as defined, and a nutritionally adequate lunch, as defined, free of charge during each schoolday to any pupil who requests a meal, without consideration of the pupils eligibility for a federally funded free or reduced-price meal, as provided. Existing law defines schoolday for these purposes to mean any day that pupils in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, are present at a schoolsite for purposes of instruction or educational activities, including, among other things, pupil attendance at summer school, including incoming kindergarten pupils, as provided.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes and to the extent authorized by federal law, require the State Department of Education to establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators, as defined, for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program that is hosted at a public library, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop related guidance, as specified, and, if necessary, to apply for a waiver of federal law to secure federal reimbursement for these meals. The bill would require the department to distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to guardians whose children are eligible for specified summer food programs. The bill would require a guardian of an eligible pupil to be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for that meal, unless noncongregate rules are in place. | |
| 28 | + | Existing law requires each school district, county superintendent of schools, and charter school to make available a nutritionally adequate breakfast, as defined, and a nutritionally adequate lunch, as defined, free of charge during each schoolday to any pupil who requests a meal, without consideration of the pupils eligibility for a federally funded free or reduced-price meal, as provided. Existing law defines schoolday for these purposes to mean any day that pupils in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, are present at a schoolsite for purposes of instruction or educational activities, including, among other things, pupil attendance at summer school, including incoming kindergarten pupils, as provided.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes and to the extent authorized by federal law, require the State Department of Education to establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators, as defined, for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program that is hosted at a public library, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop related guidance, as specified, and, if necessary, to apply for a waiver of federal law to secure federal reimbursement for these meals. The bill would require the department to distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to guardians whose children are eligible for specified summer food programs. The bill would require a guardian of an eligible pupil to be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for that meal, unless noncongregate rules are in place. The bill would require participating summer meal program operators to report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by a meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations. | |
| 29 | 29 | ||
| 30 | 30 | Existing law requires each school district, county superintendent of schools, and charter school to make available a nutritionally adequate breakfast, as defined, and a nutritionally adequate lunch, as defined, free of charge during each schoolday to any pupil who requests a meal, without consideration of the pupils eligibility for a federally funded free or reduced-price meal, as provided. Existing law defines schoolday for these purposes to mean any day that pupils in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, are present at a schoolsite for purposes of instruction or educational activities, including, among other things, pupil attendance at summer school, including incoming kindergarten pupils, as provided. | |
| 31 | 31 | ||
| 32 | - | This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes and to the extent authorized by federal law, require the State Department of Education to establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators, as defined, for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program that is hosted at a public library, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop related guidance, as specified, and, if necessary, to apply for a waiver of federal law to secure federal reimbursement for these meals. The bill would require the department to distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to guardians whose children are eligible for specified summer food programs. The bill would require a guardian of an eligible pupil to be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for that meal, unless noncongregate rules are in place. | |
| 32 | + | This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes and to the extent authorized by federal law, require the State Department of Education to establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators, as defined, for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program that is hosted at a public library, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop related guidance, as specified, and, if necessary, to apply for a waiver of federal law to secure federal reimbursement for these meals. The bill would require the department to distribute information about the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program to guardians whose children are eligible for specified summer food programs. The bill would require a guardian of an eligible pupil to be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for that meal, unless noncongregate rules are in place. The bill would require participating summer meal program operators to report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by a meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations. | |
| 33 | 33 | ||
| 34 | 34 | ## Digest Key | |
| 35 | 35 | ||
| 36 | 36 | ## Bill Text | |
| 37 | 37 | ||
| 38 | - | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Summer Caregiver Meal Pilot Act of 2024.SEC. 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) No child in California should experience hunger.(2) While child hunger rates were on the decline in California in recent years, the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related economic recession have increased childhood hunger to historic rates.(3) Data from the United States Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey shows that by October 2023, food insecurity for households with children in California was at 28 percent, with deep disparities for Black and Latino households at 49 and 33 percent, respectively.(4) In 2020, California became one of the first states in the country to pass School Meals for All, and starting with the 202223 school year, all children in California regardless of income are receiving free breakfast and lunch.(5) The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SSO and SFSP provide free meals to any child 18 years of age and younger. SSO and SFSP fight hunger over summer months, closing the gap when school lets out.(6) When a child is food insecure, their caregivers are likely food insecure too. Yet caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites cannot join their children in eating a nourishing meal together because of antiquated and burdensome program rules.(7) Studies have shown that children who eat with their parents or caregivers consume more fruits and vegetables.(8) Several summer meal program sites in California have piloted providing meals to caregivers, which have been largely successful in addressing food insecurity for the whole family, providing a bonding opportunity while families share a meal, and encouraging children to eat a nourishing and healthy meal.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot to enable summer meal programs located at public libraries to offer nourishing meals to caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites.SEC. 3. Section 49549 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 49548.3, to read:49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) | |
| 38 | + | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Summer Caregiver Meal Pilot Act of 2024.SEC. 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) No child in California should experience hunger.(2) While child hunger rates were on the decline in California in recent years, the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related economic recession have increased childhood hunger to historic rates.(3) Data from the United States Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey shows that by October 2023, food insecurity for households with children in California was at 28 percent, with deep disparities for Black and Latino households at 49 and 33 percent, respectively.(4) In 2020, California became one of the first states in the country to pass School Meals for All, and starting with the 202223 school year, all children in California regardless of income are receiving free breakfast and lunch.(5) The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SSO and SFSP provide free meals to any child 18 years of age and younger. SSO and SFSP fight hunger over summer months, closing the gap when school lets out.(6) When a child is food insecure, their caregivers are likely food insecure too. Yet caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites cannot join their children in eating a nourishing meal together because of antiquated and burdensome program rules.(7) Studies have shown that children who eat with their parents or caregivers consume more fruits and vegetables.(8) Several summer meal program sites in California have piloted providing meals to caregivers, which have been largely successful in addressing food insecurity for the whole family, providing a bonding opportunity while families share a meal, and encouraging children to eat a nourishing and healthy meal.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot to enable summer meal programs located at public libraries to offer nourishing meals to caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites.SEC. 3. Section 49549 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 49548.3, to read:49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes.(b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed.(c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program.(d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.(e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section.(f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators.(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program.(2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil.(3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge.(4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program.(5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program.(h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year.(3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. | |
| 39 | 39 | ||
| 40 | 40 | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 41 | 41 | ||
| 42 | 42 | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 43 | 43 | ||
| 44 | 44 | SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Summer Caregiver Meal Pilot Act of 2024. | |
| 45 | 45 | ||
| 46 | 46 | SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Summer Caregiver Meal Pilot Act of 2024. | |
| 47 | 47 | ||
| 48 | 48 | SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Summer Caregiver Meal Pilot Act of 2024. | |
| 49 | 49 | ||
| 50 | 50 | ### SECTION 1. | |
| 51 | 51 | ||
| 52 | 52 | SEC. 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) No child in California should experience hunger.(2) While child hunger rates were on the decline in California in recent years, the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related economic recession have increased childhood hunger to historic rates.(3) Data from the United States Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey shows that by October 2023, food insecurity for households with children in California was at 28 percent, with deep disparities for Black and Latino households at 49 and 33 percent, respectively.(4) In 2020, California became one of the first states in the country to pass School Meals for All, and starting with the 202223 school year, all children in California regardless of income are receiving free breakfast and lunch.(5) The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SSO and SFSP provide free meals to any child 18 years of age and younger. SSO and SFSP fight hunger over summer months, closing the gap when school lets out.(6) When a child is food insecure, their caregivers are likely food insecure too. Yet caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites cannot join their children in eating a nourishing meal together because of antiquated and burdensome program rules.(7) Studies have shown that children who eat with their parents or caregivers consume more fruits and vegetables.(8) Several summer meal program sites in California have piloted providing meals to caregivers, which have been largely successful in addressing food insecurity for the whole family, providing a bonding opportunity while families share a meal, and encouraging children to eat a nourishing and healthy meal.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot to enable summer meal programs located at public libraries to offer nourishing meals to caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites. | |
| 53 | 53 | ||
| 54 | 54 | SEC. 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) No child in California should experience hunger.(2) While child hunger rates were on the decline in California in recent years, the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related economic recession have increased childhood hunger to historic rates.(3) Data from the United States Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey shows that by October 2023, food insecurity for households with children in California was at 28 percent, with deep disparities for Black and Latino households at 49 and 33 percent, respectively.(4) In 2020, California became one of the first states in the country to pass School Meals for All, and starting with the 202223 school year, all children in California regardless of income are receiving free breakfast and lunch.(5) The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SSO and SFSP provide free meals to any child 18 years of age and younger. SSO and SFSP fight hunger over summer months, closing the gap when school lets out.(6) When a child is food insecure, their caregivers are likely food insecure too. Yet caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites cannot join their children in eating a nourishing meal together because of antiquated and burdensome program rules.(7) Studies have shown that children who eat with their parents or caregivers consume more fruits and vegetables.(8) Several summer meal program sites in California have piloted providing meals to caregivers, which have been largely successful in addressing food insecurity for the whole family, providing a bonding opportunity while families share a meal, and encouraging children to eat a nourishing and healthy meal.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot to enable summer meal programs located at public libraries to offer nourishing meals to caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites. | |
| 55 | 55 | ||
| 56 | 56 | SEC. 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: | |
| 57 | 57 | ||
| 58 | 58 | ### SEC. 2. | |
| 59 | 59 | ||
| 60 | 60 | (1) No child in California should experience hunger. | |
| 61 | 61 | ||
| 62 | 62 | (2) While child hunger rates were on the decline in California in recent years, the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related economic recession have increased childhood hunger to historic rates. | |
| 63 | 63 | ||
| 64 | 64 | (3) Data from the United States Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey shows that by October 2023, food insecurity for households with children in California was at 28 percent, with deep disparities for Black and Latino households at 49 and 33 percent, respectively. | |
| 65 | 65 | ||
| 66 | 66 | (4) In 2020, California became one of the first states in the country to pass School Meals for All, and starting with the 202223 school year, all children in California regardless of income are receiving free breakfast and lunch. | |
| 67 | 67 | ||
| 68 | 68 | (5) The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SSO and SFSP provide free meals to any child 18 years of age and younger. SSO and SFSP fight hunger over summer months, closing the gap when school lets out. | |
| 69 | 69 | ||
| 70 | 70 | (6) When a child is food insecure, their caregivers are likely food insecure too. Yet caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites cannot join their children in eating a nourishing meal together because of antiquated and burdensome program rules. | |
| 71 | 71 | ||
| 72 | 72 | (7) Studies have shown that children who eat with their parents or caregivers consume more fruits and vegetables. | |
| 73 | 73 | ||
| 74 | 74 | (8) Several summer meal program sites in California have piloted providing meals to caregivers, which have been largely successful in addressing food insecurity for the whole family, providing a bonding opportunity while families share a meal, and encouraging children to eat a nourishing and healthy meal. | |
| 75 | 75 | ||
| 76 | 76 | (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot to enable summer meal programs located at public libraries to offer nourishing meals to caregivers who bring their children to summer meal sites. | |
| 77 | 77 | ||
| 78 | - | SEC. 3. Section 49549 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 49548.3, to read:49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3 | |
| 78 | + | SEC. 3. Section 49549 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 49548.3, to read:49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes.(b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed.(c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program.(d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.(e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section.(f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators.(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program.(2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil.(3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge.(4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program.(5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program.(h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year.(3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. | |
| 79 | 79 | ||
| 80 | 80 | SEC. 3. Section 49549 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 49548.3, to read: | |
| 81 | 81 | ||
| 82 | 82 | ### SEC. 3. | |
| 83 | 83 | ||
| 84 | - | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3 | |
| 84 | + | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes.(b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed.(c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program.(d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.(e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section.(f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators.(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program.(2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil.(3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge.(4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program.(5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program.(h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year.(3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. | |
| 85 | 85 | ||
| 86 | - | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3 | |
| 86 | + | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes.(b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed.(c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program.(d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.(e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section.(f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators.(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program.(2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil.(3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge.(4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program.(5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program.(h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year.(3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. | |
| 87 | 87 | ||
| 88 | - | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3 | |
| 88 | + | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library.(2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place.(3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes.(b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed.(c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program.(d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations.(e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section.(f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators.(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program.(2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil.(3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge.(4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program.(5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program.(h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year.(3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. | |
| 89 | 89 | ||
| 90 | 90 | ||
| 91 | 91 | ||
| 92 | 92 | 49549. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the extent authorized by federal law, the department shall establish a pilot process for state reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation, for federal summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians of eligible pupils receiving a meal pursuant to a summer meal program hosted at a public library. | |
| 93 | 93 | ||
| 94 | 94 | (2) A guardian of an eligible pupil shall be present at the summer meal program site hosted at a public library in order for the summer meal program operator to receive state-funded reimbursement for the meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section, unless noncongregate rules are in place. | |
| 95 | 95 | ||
| 96 | - | (3) A summer meal program operator shall only receive reimbursement for a meal served to a guardian pursuant to this section if the guardian is either (A) 22 years of age or older or (B) younger than 22 years of age and with an eligible pupil who can reasonably be expected to need assistance eating. | |
| 97 | - | ||
| 98 | - | (4) Reimbursement to summer meal program operators for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section shall be limited to one guardian per eligible pupil. | |
| 99 | - | ||
| 100 | - | (3) | |
| 101 | - | ||
| 102 | - | ||
| 103 | - | ||
| 104 | - | (5) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes. | |
| 96 | + | (3) Reimbursement under this section shall commence no earlier than one year after an appropriation is made for its purposes. | |
| 105 | 97 | ||
| 106 | 98 | (b) The department shall develop guidance for summer meal program operators participating in the federal Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program on how to serve guardians a meal at public library summer meal program sites. The guidance shall be posted on the departments internet website and shall not be required to be mailed. | |
| 107 | 99 | ||
| 108 | 100 | (c) The department shall distribute information about the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code to guardians whose children are eligible for the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program. | |
| 109 | 101 | ||
| 110 | 102 | (d) Summer meal program operators participating under this section shall report to the department the number of meals served to guardians by meal site hosted at a public library no later than 30 days after the end of summer meal site operations. | |
| 111 | 103 | ||
| 112 | 104 | (e) The department shall apply for a waiver of federal law if necessary to secure federal reimbursement for meals served to guardians pursuant to this section. | |
| 113 | 105 | ||
| 114 | 106 | (f) This section shall not be interpreted as to require any action by summer meal program operators. | |
| 115 | 107 | ||
| 116 | 108 | (g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: | |
| 117 | 109 | ||
| 118 | 110 | (1) Eligible pupil means a pupil who meets the criteria for a meal pursuant to a federal summer meal program. | |
| 119 | 111 | ||
| 120 | 112 | (2) Guardian means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult family member or caretaker who is caring for an eligible pupil. | |
| 121 | 113 | ||
| 122 | 114 | (3) Public library means a library, or two or more libraries, that is operated by a single public jurisdiction and that serves its residents free of charge. | |
| 123 | 115 | ||
| 124 | 116 | (4) Summer meal program includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option component of the federal National School Lunch Program. | |
| 125 | 117 | ||
| 126 | 118 | (5) Summer meal program operators include, but are not necessarily limited to, a school district, county office of education, charter school, government organization, or nonprofit entity participating in a summer meal program. | |
| 127 | 119 | ||
| 128 | 120 | (h) (1) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes. | |
| 129 | 121 | ||
| 130 | 122 | (2) Notwithstanding any other law, for each fiscal year in which an appropriation in the annual Budget Act is made for purposes of this section, that appropriation shall be made from the General Fund and be in addition to funding appropriated for purposes of satisfying the minimum funding requirements pursuant to Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution for that fiscal year. | |
| 131 | 123 | ||
| 132 | 124 | (3) The amount of an appropriation made for purposes of this subdivision shall be in an amount equal to the estimated number of reimbursable guardian meals provided under this section multiplied by the federal National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program meal reimbursement rate for qualified pupil meals under the summer meal program. |