Gov. Newsom Launches New Free Lunch Program; Announces Nearly $14,000 Per Family in Universal TK
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom marked the start of California’s new school year by highlighting universal free school meals and the statewide expansion of Transitional Kindergarten, which the state says saves families nearly $14,000 per child each year.
Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom celebrated the full implementation of Universal Transitional Kindergarten, making free TK available to every 4-year-old in California. The state enrolled 213,313 children in TK during the 2024-25 school year and has invested $12.5 billion in the program since 2019.
“California is proving what’s possible with historic investments in the next generation,” said Newsom. “Free TK for every 4-year-old. Free meals at school. Expanded after school programs.”
California is also providing two free school meals each day to every public-school student, regardless of family income. The state has served nearly 3.5 billion free meals through its Universal Meals Program, with 2.9 million students connected to California-grown, nutritious food.
The administration says the school investments extend beyond meals and early education. California has committed $4.7 billion to its Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, placed more than 4,000 trained professionals in schools and community organizations, and provided free mental health services to more than 500,000 children, youth and families.
The state is also expanding literacy programs, with more than 800 high-need elementary schools receiving support from literacy coaches and reading specialists. Special education funding has increased by $2.4 billion, or 43%.
The investments come as California reports academic gains across every tested subject and grade level, with particularly strong gains among Black and Latino students and continued improvement among socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
Newsom said the broader effort is aimed at ensuring students have the support they need before, during and after the school day.
“Every parent wants their child to feel safe, supported, nourished, and inspired when they walk through the school doors,” said Siebel Newsom. “California recognizes that if we want to give our kids the best start in life, we need to invest in the whole child.”
On Aug. 21, Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced that families have claimed 1 million accounts through CalKIDS, California’s publicly funded college and career savings program. Launched in 2022, CalKIDS has established more than 6 million accounts containing over $2.3 billion in savings, with eligible students receiving up to $1,500 for higher education or career training. The Newsoms also unveiled the California Golden Start Challenge, a public-private partnership aimed at encouraging businesses and philanthropic organizations to contribute additional money to children’s savings accounts.
Gov. Newsom’s Latest Appointees Include Sacramento Advocate for Formerly Incarcerated Students; State’s New Tech Chief
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced eight appointments Aug. 19, including a new state chief technology officer and the reappointment of a Sacramento State outreach coordinator who works with formerly incarcerated students.
Ayushi Roy, of San Francisco, was appointed state chief technology officer at the California Department of Technology. Roy has taught at Harvard Kennedy School since 2022 and previously held technology and policy roles with New America, the U.S. General Services Administration, and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
Roy’s policy work has focused on the gap between government programs and the people they are intended to serve. In a Harvard course inspired by Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” she teaches students to examine how administrative and implementation barriers can undermine social safety-net programs.
“I do know as a practitioner, having served in the government for over a dozen years, that the building of technology is the easy part; managing the political feasibility and the implementation is the hard part,” Roy said.
Roy’s appointment requires Senate confirmation and carries compensation of $214,692.
Newsom also reappointed Michael Love, of Sacramento, to the State Rehabilitation Council, where he has served since 2025. Love has been an outreach coordinator at California State University, Sacramento since 2024 and previously held several roles at the university, including administrative services coordinator for Project Rebound and teacher’s associate.
Project Rebound supports formerly incarcerated students as they pursue higher education, making Love’s appointment relevant to the council’s work involving vocational rehabilitation services.
Love earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication studies from Sacramento State. He is a Democrat.
Newsom also appointed Eric De La Cruz of Sacramento as executive director of the Racial Equity Commission. De La Cruz has served as chief of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Toxic Substances Control since 2022. The position pays $146,220 and does not require Senate confirmation.
The governor additionally appointed Christine Aurigemma to the State Rehabilitation Council and reappointed Lisa Weiler, Michelle Bello and Matthew Asner. The council positions are unpaid and do not require Senate confirmation.
