Research has shown that when students are hungry, learning in school can be difficult or even impossible. Food insecurity is an issue that affects students across California as well as right here in San Mateo County.  In an effort to ensure all students receive healthy, nutritious food, California took the unprecedented step to make school meals free to all students. In response to the pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture temporarily allowed for universal meals. The State funding commitment will make the universal meals permanent. This is a great step towards health equity in schools!