March 20 '25•Cade Story-Yetto•WVMCCD• meals• groundbreaking

West Valley-Mission District Launches First-in-Nation Universal Free Meals Program

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West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) is making history with the first universal free meal program at a U.S. community college.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SARATOGA, CA -- West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) has approved the first universal free meal program at a U.S. community college - a historic initiative that will guarantee every in-person student at West Valley College and Mission College at least one free, nutritious meal each school day. 

Launching in Fall 2025, the program will also offer expanded support for high-need students. 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.

“The research is undeniable: well-nourished students perform better academically, experience stronger mental health, and graduate at higher rates,” said Chancellor Bradley Davis. “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.”

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.

“Hunger has silently stood in the way of student success for too long,”added Davis.“By treating nutritious food as a basic right, we’re creating campuses where every student can focus, achieve, and thrive.”

Cafeteria worker serving food
The groundbreaking free meal initiative guarantees that every in-person student at West Valley College and Mission College has access to a free, nutritious meal every school day.
The new meal plan is the latest in a series of bold steps by West Valley-Mission to remove financial barriers for its diverse student population. Over the past several years, the District has eliminated tuition, parking, and health fees, along with textbook and childcare costs. Following extensive, multi-year financial modeling, the District determined it could sustainably fund this ambitious program and identified it as the most impactful way to strengthen student retention and advance equity outcomes.
 
“In my tenure on this Board, I have seldom seen an initiative more pivotal for student success,” said Board President Anne Kepner. “Having witnessed firsthand how hunger disrupts learning and undermines achievement, I am proud that our District is taking concrete steps to ensure every student is both nourished and empowered to excel.”

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. The District hopes its example will serve as a model for community colleges and four-year universities nationwide. Over the coming months, WVMCCD leadership will work closely with student groups, employees, and Thomas Cuisine to finalize logistics, develop equitable distribution models, and refine menu offerings—ensuring a seamless rollout in the Fall 2025 semester.

“We are not just feeding students—we are fueling futures,”Chancellor Davis said.“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.”

About West Valley-Mission Community College District

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the West Valley-Mission Community College District serves more than 17,000 students through its two colleges: West Valley College in Saratoga and Mission College in Santa Clara. The District is dedicated to fostering innovative programs, equitable opportunities, and student-centered support services that empower individuals to reach their educational and career goals. For more information, visit www.wvm.edu.

Media Contact:
Cade Story-Yetto, Chief of Staff
West Valley-Mission Community College District
[email protected] 


Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


Learn More About Mission