Beginning this school year, California will be the first state to implement the Universal Meals program, providing free meals to all schoolchildren. Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) got a head start as it was already serving free breakfast and lunch. On average, 1 out of every 5 Californians do not know where their next meal will come from. Health and equity are top of mind, says Erin Tassey, MUHSD's director of nutritional services. Student Yohan Zuzlewski s grateful. "I remember when I was in elementary school I had to pay for lunch and I really didn't like that, it's nice to know that this benefits everyone overall." The program is part of Assembly Bill 130 signed into law by Governor Newsom last July. The meal programs are state and federally funded.

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