State Sen. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) has introduced legislation, SB 711, to help combat hunger in California via expansion of the state’s free summer meals program.

The bill allows caregivers of participating students to become eligible for free meals in the summer.

California has historically paved the way for school meal plans. In 2021, the state became the first to adopt two free school meals to all students attending public schools.

This initiative is also the first of its kind.

“More than one in four California households with children are food insecure. That amounts to more than 1 million households facing hunger in our state,” said McNerney, a former eight-term Democratic member of Congress. “SB 711 will help combat hunger by expanding California’s free summer meals program to ensure that parents, guardians, and caregivers can also access meals during summer months.”

Recent reports show that 27% of Californian households with children are food insecure.

When guardians experience food insecurity, it negatively impacts the adult’s mental and physical health.

McNerney cites research, which shows adult hunger leads to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress for both adults and children.

Support for Expanded Meal Program

The California Association of Food Banks is sponsoring the bill.

“No parent should have to watch their child eat while going hungry themselves. The Summer Caregiver Meals Act… is a critical step toward ensuring that families can share a meal together during the summer months,” said CAFB CEO Stacia Hill Levenfeld. “This bill strengthens the impact of summer meal programs, reduces stigma, and supports the well-being of entire families.”

The legislation would be federally funded and is backed by food bank leadership across the state.

If enacted, the bill would go into effect in 2026.