West Valley-Mission Community College District is implementing a pioneering universal meal program for in-person students to alleviate food insecurity. The program, starting in fall, allows students to receive one meal per school day, with additional meals for those in need. Nearly 21% of West Valley College students face food insecurity. Chancellor Bradley Davis initiated the program after witnessing students struggle to afford meals. The initiative will cost $2.5 million annually, funded by discretionary property tax revenue, aiming to support over 17,000 students and facilitate their academic success.
"It would have meant security and knowing that I was gonna be OK, knowing that even if it's that one meal that I'm getting, I'm getting it," Huerta-Hernandez told San José Spotlight.
Chancellor Bradley Davis said battling food insecurity became his focus when two student soccer players asked if he could spot them money for food at the cafeteria because they couldn't afford it.
The program, which officials said is the first of its kind in a community college nationwide, is part of a districtwide initiative to lower barriers to higher education.
The district will pay $2.5 million annually to run the program for the foreseeable future, sourced from discretionary property tax revenue.
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