The County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) Coalition met to learn more and discuss the benefits and challenges of SB-130 that established Universal School Meals in California. This historic program is important because it will help reduce food insecurity and hunger by giving access to breakfast and lunch to around 64,000 more San Mateo County students.

There are several challenges that schools are facing implementing this new policy. One is food service staff shortages and another one is significant disruptions in the food supply chain. Health Policy and Planning Program, the San Mateo County Office of Education, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and the University of California Cooperative Extension are working to plan a convening this fall for school food service staff to strategize on how to best address the challenges they are facing. For more information, contact Justin Watkins, jiwatkins@smcgov.org.

The CNAP coalition convenes Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) partners serving our county’s SNAP-Ed eligible population and coordinate food program interventions that aim to increase food security and physical activity among San Mateo County residents. To learn more about or to become a CNAP member please contact Gloria Cahuich Gonzalez at gcgonzalez@smcgov.org.