State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Calls on Trump Administration to Allow Flexibility for Federal School Meal Services in Response to SNAP Benefit Uncertainty

SACRAMENTO—In a press conference at the California Department of Education (CDE) today, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced efforts to allow for flexibility in students’ access to nutritional services in response to the continued uncertainty of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This includes the filing of federal waivers to allow for existing federal funding for meal programs to provide food for hungry children beyond the school day and over the holidays.

Superintendent Thurmond was joined at the press conference today by members of the California School Employees Association (CSEA), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and leaders from the California Association of Food Banks, SupplyBank.org, the California School Nutrition Association, End Child Poverty, and other advocacy groups.

“As someone who grew up in a family that depended on food stamps, I know firsthand the impact that hunger can have on a child’s ability to learn,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “There are 5.5 million Californians who rely on SNAP benefits, including 2 million children. We must act now and use every available resource to support the health and well-being of our communities.”

The waiver CDE requested last Thursday would provide grab-and-go meal service on non-school days through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), which would ensure continued access to healthy meals even if SNAP benefits are again reduced or delayed. This waiver is not seeking any additional funds, but rather, flexibilities in regulations that would allow school nutrition programs to feed hungry students beyond the school day.

The CDE anticipates filing an additional waiver seeking federal approval to offer grab-and-go meals during school breaks that are less than 15 days, such as the upcoming Thanksgiving break.

At this time, the CDE is continuing to receive federal meal reimbursements from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the school meals served in California. As a result, there have been no disruptions to school meals. However, an estimated 27 percent of California households with children face food insecurity. Many families rely on SNAP to bridge the gap when their children do not have access to school meals over weekends and holidays.

There remains uncertainty around SNAP benefits, given that the USDA is trying to claw back November benefits, and the Trump administration informed the Supreme Court just this morning that they are renewing their request to stay the order regarding November SNAP benefits.

Superintendent Thurmond also announced the opportunity for any Californian to support local food banks across the state through the Superintendent’s ongoing partnership with SupplyBank.org , which has supported school communities in need throughout Superintendent Thurmond’s tenure, including those impacted by natural disasters.

More information about school nutrition can be found on the CDE Nutritional Services Division web page.

# # # #

Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100