California Secures Permanent Funding for Farm to School Program

Saratoga, California — Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 13 signed SB 172, locking the state's Farm to School Program into California law on a permanent basis and ensuring schools across the state can keep serving students meals made with California-grown ingredients.

The program, championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, links K-12 campuses with nearby farms and ranches, strengthens regional food systems, and expands nutrition education in classrooms. Administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Office of Farm to Fork, it has run as an incubator-grant effort since the 2021-22 budget year.

Newsom said the state has secured permanent funding for what he called its nation-leading Farm to School Program so children can keep receiving local, nutrient-rich school meals. The First Partner said the initiative has been a lifeline for students by providing free, healthy meals while supporting California farmers and food workers. The governor's office noted that nearly 3.5 billion free school meals have been served in California since 2021.

"California's kids deserve access to school meals that are locally-sourced and full of nutrients to help them reach their full potential and thrive." — First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Officials say every $1 invested through the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program generates about $2.10 in economic activity for local communities, as schools buy more food from nearby producers. The permanent funding was also included in the 2026-27 state budget approved with the Legislature.

For Saratoga and surrounding Santa Clara County, the program sustains partnerships between South Bay school districts and Gilroy, Salinas Valley, and other regional growers who supply Bay Area cafeterias. Residents can learn more through the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Farm to Fork initiative.

Sources:

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/13/governor-newsom-signs-legislation-securing-permanent-funding-for-nation-leading-farm-to-school-program-championed-by-first-partner/