California and Maine Become First States to Officially Provide Universal School Meals at No Charge 2021-07-13Last week, California officially became the first state to permanently adopt free school meals for all K–12 students after Governor Newsom signed SB 129 into law, a 2021–22 operating budget that fully funds school meals for all students at no cost. The Universal School Meals Program includes an increase in the state's meal reimbursements by $54 million in the 2021–22 fiscal year and an additional $650 million in funding beginning in 2022–23 to cover the costs of offering breakfast and lunch to all students. The state of Maine closely followed as Governor Janet Mills signed a new two-year state budget into law, ensuring Maine students will have equal access to free, healthy school meals! SNA applauds both state's incredible efforts to ensure all students can receive a nutritious meal regardless of ability to pay.