Staff Chula Vista Today
SACRAMENTO — California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond called on the Trump Administration to “immediately” provide greater flexibility for students to access nutrition services across the state.
During a press conference held Monday morning, November 10, in the California Department of Education press room, Thurmond said these efforts are a direct response to disruptions in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh.
Thurmond was joined by leaders from the California Association of Food Banks, the California School Nutrition Association, End Child Poverty, and other related organizations.
“I KNOW FIRSTHAND…”
Thurmond emphasized that the request to the federal government includes submitting waivers “to allow existing federal funds for nutrition programs to provide meals to children in need outside school hours and during school breaks.”
“As someone who grew up in a family that relied on food stamps, I know firsthand the impact that hunger can have on a child’s ability to learn,” the superintendent said.
Noting that 5.5 million Californians — including 2 million children — face food insecurity, Thurmond stressed that “we must act now, immediately, and use every available resource to support the health and well-being of our communities.”
“STILL BEING LITIGATED”
In a previous statement, the California Department of Education noted that “although recent federal court decisions have required the Trump Administration to fund SNAP benefits, it continues to litigate to deny these essential benefits to the Americans who need them most.”
The department added that California families rely on SNAP to compensate for the lack of access to school meals on weekends and holidays.
The statement also noted that Superintendent Thurmond and the California Department of Education are urging the Trump Administration to “provide greater flexibility within existing resources to ensure children receive meals during the holiday season.”
Thurmond noted that with 5.5 million Californians affected, “we must act now, immediately, and use every available resource to support the health and well-being of our communities.” Photo source: secure.nokidhungry.org