WHEREAS, Access to consistent, nutritious food is critical for California Community College students to maintain the physical health, focus, and energy necessary for academic success, which is directly aligned with the basic health principles established by the World Health Organization [2] and along with the daily supplement of around 2000 calories for the average adult in the U.S. as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [3];
WHEREAS, Food insecurity is a widespread barrier among California Community College students, preventing them from meeting the basic dietary standards required for optimal health and educational performance, thereby necessitating systemic advocacy to ensure access to free, healthy meals [1];
WHEREAS, Statistical evidence shows that around 46% of California Community College students face low to very low food security, with this number decreasing minimally from 46.9% in 2023 to 46.3% in 2025, a decrease of 0.6% in the past two years [1]; and
WHEREAS, The California Community College system is committed to advancing student success, educational equity, and degree completion, recognizing that basic needs security is foundational to learning, persistence, and academic achievement [1] and an example of a “free meal program” initiative was taken at the West Valley Mission Community College District [4], which provided students with 30 US Dollars per week for the purchase of meals within their partner distributor, with the expectation that the student was enrolled in at least six in-person or hybrid semester units [5]; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges support student body association advocacy efforts for district free meal programs;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage student body associations to advocate for the implementation of free meal programs at the college-district level, while also contributing to the setting of program qualification; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage student body associations to advocate for free meal programs that provide at least one free meal per day that is calorically-sufficient and nutritionally-valued.
Citations:
- California Community Colleges League (CCC League). (2025). Basic Needs Survey Book.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Healthy diet (Fact Sheet)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). FAOSTAT Data
- West Valley-Mission District Launches First-in-Nation Universal Free Meals Program
- Free Meal Plan | West Valley College