Groundbreaking initiative will provide no-cost meals to all in-person students, setting a new national model for combating food insecurity
PRESS RELEASE
Saratoga, California, March 19, 2025 鈥�West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) has approved the first universal free meal program at a U.S. community college鈥攁 historic initiative that will guarantee every in-person student at 人民瓜报 and Mission College at least one free, nutritious meal each school day. Launching in Fall 2025, the program will also offer expanded support for high-need students. By investing $2.5 million annually, the District is making a long-term commitment to eradicating student hunger and ensuring that no learner has to choose between paying for textbooks or affording lunch.
鈥淭he research is undeniable: well-nourished students perform better academically, experience stronger mental health, and graduate at higher rates,鈥� said Chancellor Bradley Davis. 鈥淏y ensuring that no student on our campuses goes hungry, we鈥檙e investing in their futures鈥攁nd in the skilled workforce that will drive our region forward.鈥�
According to recent Districtwide studies, nearly one-third of students struggle with food insecurity daily鈥攁 reality that mirrors statewide findings from the Real College California Survey. While California鈥檚 K-12 schools provide universal free meals, that support drops off when students transition to higher education.
鈥淗unger has silently stood in the way of student success for too long,鈥� added Davis. 鈥淏y treating nutritious food as a basic right, we鈥檙e creating campuses where every student can focus, achieve, and thrive.鈥�
The new meal plan is the latest in a series of bold steps by West Valley-Mission to remove financial barriers for its diverse student population. Over the past several years, the District has eliminated tuition, parking, and health fees, along with textbook and childcare costs. Following extensive, multi-year financial modeling, the District determined it could sustainably fund this ambitious program and identified it as the most impactful way to strengthen student retention and advance equity outcomes.
鈥淚n my tenure on this Board, I have seldom seen an initiative more pivotal for student success,鈥� said Board President Anne Kepner. 鈥淗aving witnessed firsthand how hunger disrupts learning and undermines achievement, I am proud that our District is taking concrete steps to ensure every student is both nourished and empowered to excel.鈥�
Alongside the launch of the program, West Valley-Mission is also transitioning its dining services to Thomas Cuisine, a nationally renowned provider specializing in fresh, scratch-made meals. Thomas Cuisine will collaborate with the District to provide high-quality, nourishing food options while administering the plan to meet growing demand.
Student leaders are likewise applauding the initiative. Gabriel Gutierrez, a Student Services Ambassador at 人民瓜报, shared:
鈥淎s a full-time student juggling three part-time jobs, the stress of figuring out where my next meal will come from is something I know all too well. This program means I can focus more on my coursework and less on whether I鈥檒l have enough to eat. It鈥檚 life-changing.鈥�
Gutierrez鈥檚 experience underscores the immediate impact this program will have on students. The District hopes its example will serve as a model for community colleges and four-year universities nationwide. Over the coming months, WVMCCD leadership will work closely with student groups, employees, and Thomas Cuisine to finalize logistics, develop equitable distribution models, and refine menu offerings鈥攅nsuring a seamless rollout in the Fall 2025 semester.
鈥淲e are not just feeding students鈥攚e are fueling futures,鈥� Chancellor Davis said. 鈥淲hen we invest in students鈥� basic needs, we invest in a society where opportunity is not determined by who can afford their next meal. No student, anywhere, should go hungry in pursuit of their dreams.鈥�
About West Valley-Mission Community College District: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the West Valley-Mission Community College District serves more than 17,000 students through its two colleges: 人民瓜报 in Saratoga and Mission College in Santa Clara. The District is dedicated to fostering innovative programs, equitable opportunities, and student-centered support services that empower individuals to reach their educational and career goals. For more information, visit .
Media Contact:
Cade Story-Yetto, Chief of Staff
West Valley-Mission Community College District
[email protected]