McNerney Announces Bill to Help Fight Hunger by Expanding CA’s Free Summer Meals Program

State Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, on Monday announced new legislation that will help fight hunger in California by expanding the state’s free summer meals program. Under SB 711, caregivers of children who participate in the free summer meals program will also be eligible for free meals.

“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,” Sen. McNerney said. “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.”

SB 711 is sponsored by the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB).

“No parent should have to watch their child eat while going hungry themselves. The Summer Caregiver Meals Act, authored by Senator McNerney, is a critical step toward ensuring that families can share a meal together during the summer months,” said CAFB CEO Stacia Hill Levenfeld. “By allowing caregivers to sit and eat alongside their children, this bill strengthens the impact of summer meal programs, reduces stigma, and supports the well-being of entire families. We thank Senator McNerney for his leadership in championing this essential policy.”

“Summer meal programs provide essential support for children facing hunger, but it's important that families can share these moments together. The Summer Caregiver Meals Act, led by Senator McNerney, helps ensure families can gather for a meal, promoting dignity and connection while addressing food insecurity,”  Jessica Vaughan, CEO of Second Harvest of the Greater Valley in San Joaquin County. “We are thankful for Senator McNerney’s commitment to policies that strengthen communities and support families.”

“When children are hungry, chances are their parents and guardians are hungry as well. Food insecurity is a systemic problem, and the way we tackle this issue must be inclusive of all. We’re proud of the steps California has taken to ensure that children have access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, learn, and thrive, even during the summer months when school is out,” said Ezer Pamintuan, senior policy advocate of the Alameda County Community Food Bank. “Now, we are grateful to Senator McNerney for taking the next, necessary step in introducing the Summer Caregivers Meal Act, which would enable caregivers to sit down and enjoy meals with their children at summer meal sites. Our community is stronger when everyone is nourished.”

In 2021, California became the first state to provide two free school meals day to all public school children. Since then, numerous states have adopted California’s model. California also operates a successful free summer meals program for youth.

According to recent data, 27% of California households with children are food insecure. Research has shown that when parents, guardians, or caregivers go hungry, it not only negatively impacts the adult’s health and mental well-being, but also the child’s mental health, leading to higher rates of depression, stress, and anxiety for both adult and child.

Under SB 711, the state would supplement the federally backed free summer meals program so that when children receive free summer meals, their parent, guardian, or caregiver would also have access to a free meal. SB 711 would also direct the California Department of Education to seek federal funding to help pay for expanding the summer meals program to adult caregivers. If enacted, SB 711 would go into effect in 2026.

Sen. Jerry McNerney is chair of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and his 5th Senate District includes all of San Joaquin County and Alameda County’s Tri-Valley.