West Valley-Mission District Launches First-in-Nation Universal Free Meals Program
April 22, 2025
By Melissa Johns
“By ensuring that no student on our campuses goes hungry, we’re investing in their futures—and in the skilled workforce that will drive our region forward.” - Bradley Davis, Chancellor
This Fall, the West Valley-Mission Community College District will become the first
community college in the country to offer a universal free meal program to its students.
This initiative is the latest in a series of bold steps by our district to remove
financial barriers for our diverse student population.
For the past several years, our district has chipped away at the financial bariers
that all too often stand in the way of student retention and academic success. We
have eliminated tuition, parking, and health services fees, along with textbook and
childcare costs. And now, we're tackling hunger.
Following extensive, multi-year financial modeling, the
District determined it could sustainably fund this ambitious meal program. 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. This historic initiative will guarantee every in-person student at West Valley College and Mission College at least
one free, nutritious meal each school day. The program will also offer expanded support
for high-need students.
According to recent districtwide studies, nearly one-third of students struggle with
food insecurity daily—a reality that mirrors statewide findings from the Real College
California Survey. While California’s K-12 schools provide universal free meals, that
support drops off when students transition to higher education. “The research is undeniable: well-nourished students perform better academically,
experience stronger mental health, and graduate at higher rates,” said Chancellor Bradley Davis. “Hunger has silently stood in the way of student success for too long. By treating
nutritious food as a basic right, we’re creating campuses where every student can
focus, achieve, and thrive.”
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 West Valley College, shared:
“As 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’ll have enough to eat. It’s life-changing.”
Gutierrez’s experience underscores the immediate impact this program will have on
students. We hope this initiative will serve as a model for community colleges and
four-year universities nationwide. As Chancellor Davis puts it, “When we invest in students’ 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.”
