WHEREAS, Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in six California children lived in food insecure households, meaning that they did not have consistent access to adequate food; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the economic hardship that many families are facing, especially among communities of color, with 2,200,000 California children potentially facing hunger as a result; and
WHEREAS, More than 59 percent of California public school pupils, which is more than 3,500,000 pupils, qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast, yet are learning virtually to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and meet local public safety regulations; and
WHEREAS, Many school nutrition programs have continued to provide vital emergency meals to pupils and their families during the pandemic through innovative models, such as drive-thru operations and delivery services;
and
WHEREAS, School meals became a lifeline to many children and families, easing the financial strain and uncertainty caused by COVID-19 economic disruptions, and serving as a consistent source of food for pupils; and
WHEREAS, School meals will continue to play a critical role in keeping children nourished through the 2020–21 school year and into the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, School nutrition programs continue to face unique operational challenges this school year as school meal services are adapted to meet safety recommendations and aligned with new models of instruction; and
WHEREAS, Eating school breakfast is associated with positive pupil behavioral health and academic performances, such as better test score results, improved concentration, and fewer class disruptions; and
WHEREAS, School breakfast participation is also associated with a lower body mass index, which is an indicator of sustainable body fat, a lower probability of being overweight, and a lower
probability of obesity; now, therefore, be it