New school menus serve up student favorites — from classic mac & cheese to bold flavors like the jalapeño burger
SAN DIEGO (August 5, 2025) – For the fourth year in a row, San Diego Unified students will have access to a free, healthy breakfast and lunch each school day. It’s all part of the statewide Universal Meals Program.
In 2022, California was the first state to implement School Meals for All. Since then, eight other states have passed similar initiatives, recognizing the benefits Universal Meals provide to families and schools. This landmark program saves parents money, addresses food insecurity, and creates more opportunities for students to succeed.
“Access to healthy school meals is critical to a child’s well-being and academic success. For many of our students, school meals are a necessity, and are often the most nutritious meals they receive,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, San Diego Unified School District Superintendent. “Our Food Services team plays a vital role in supporting student wellness which is our number one goal.”
This fall, San Diego Unified students can look forward to the return of some of their favorite entrées, as well as the addition of new menu options. Breakfast highlights include fresh yogurt parfaits and breakfast burritos, as well as new items like fresh bananas and cantaloupe, a mango and pineapple smoothie, French toast sticks, and new cereal flavors.
At lunch, students can try vegetarian options like the Fiesta bean dip bowl and mozzarella breadsticks, as well as new lunch offerings like the ballpark birria nachos, jalapeño pepper jack burgers, meatball subs, and crispy chicken tenders.
School meals are nutritionally balanced and prepared by experienced and dedicated staff, following USDA nutrition guidelines and include fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
“The research is clear. School meals are the healthiest meals children eat, consuming more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and milk than their peers,” said Alicia Pitrone Hauser, San Diego Unified’s Food & Nutrition Services Director. “School meals provide students with the nutrition they need to be healthy and focused, and they also help parents save on food costs.”
During the 2024-25 school year, San Diego Unified’s cafe brand, Sandi Coast Cafe, served more than 17 million meals. Offering free school meals is an effective way to help students thrive in the classroom, support their well-being, and provide much-needed financial relief to San Diego Unified families struggling with the high costs of living. Free school meals are estimated to save families $165 per child in grocery spending each month.
Universal meals support California farmers. San Diego Unified’s nationally recognized Farm to School Program brings fresh, seasonal, and local fruits and vegetables to every lunch tray. Partner farms include Stehly Farms Organics, Kingsburg Orchards and Trinity Fruit Company. In the 2024-25 school year, Sandi Coast Cafe invested $3.5 million in locally sourced produce.
For more information, please visit sandicoastcafe.com, or contact San Diego Unified’s Food & Nutrition Services Department at 858-987-5377. See income eligibility guidelines below.
Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs. Source: California Department of Education.
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mail:
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