This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
State Bill Seeks To Make California Pay For Kids' School Lunches
(Bob Nichols/USDA/Flickr Creative Commons)
State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make California foot the bill for kids' school lunches, instead of letting their families rack up a balance for being unable to pay.
Under current law, all students must have access to school meals, and they are free for families living at or below the federal poverty line.
Students from families just above that level are eligible to get meals at a reduced fee, but they must pay the difference. AB 508 would make the state pitch in to eliminate that cost.
The bill's co-author, Democratic Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta), says many working families are already facing serious financial hardship because of the pandemic.
"That means, when our kids go back to the classroom, low income families are going to be overburdened with school lunch debt, or these fees if they can pay."
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
