Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel Witnesses Success of School Meals for All Program at San Marcos Unified’s Mission Hills High School
November 18, 2025
Christine Lee, Public Information Officer
San Marcos Unified School District
SAN MARCOS, CA — November 18, 2025 — Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (CA Assembly District 76), visited Mission Hills High School today to observe firsthand the positive impact of California’s Universal School Meals Program, often referred to as School Meals for All (SMFA). The visit provided a clear demonstration of how the program successfully nourishes students, boosts their well-being, and fosters a conducive and healthy learning environment for all.
Assemblymember Patel was joined by San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen and Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services Naomi Shadwell, alongside representatives from the School Meals for All Coalition.
The visit commenced with a comprehensive tour of Mission Hills High School’s Child Nutrition Services (CNS) kitchen, where Assemblymember Patel and the delegation observed the bustling operations and meticulous preparation involved in serving thousands of nutritious meals daily. Naomi Shadwell provided insights into the culinary processes and the team’s commitment to providing high-quality, appealing meals for students.
“It was inspiring to see firsthand the dedication of the staff at Mission Hills High School to provide delicious high quality food and the positive impact of the School Meals for All program on our students,” said Assemblymember Patel. “Ensuring every child has access to nutritious food is fundamental to their learning and well-being, and California’s commitment to this program is making a real difference in communities like San Marcos.”
Following the CNS kitchen tour, the delegation visited the school’s culinary arts kitchen, meeting culinary teacher Sadie Rose and learning about the hands-on educational experiences offered to students. The visit concluded with Assemblymember Patel and school leadership enjoying lunch alongside students, fostering direct engagement and conversation about their school meal experience.
Dr. Andy Johnsen, Superintendent of San Marcos Unified School District, expressed his appreciation for the visit: “We were honored to host Assemblymember Patel and showcase how the School Meals for All program is thriving in the San Marcos Unified School District. This program is critical for our students, not only providing essential nutrition but also fostering a supportive and equitable learning environment for all.”
Naomi Shadwell, Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services, added, “Our child nutrition team works tirelessly every day to prepare healthy and appealing meals for our students. Having Assemblymember Patel witness the behind-the-scenes effort and see the students enjoying their lunches was incredibly rewarding. We are proud to be part of a program that ensures no child in our district goes hungry.”
The School Meals for All program ensures that all California public school students have access to two free meals each school day, regardless of family income. This program helps to reduce food insecurity, improve student health and academic performance, and alleviate financial
burdens on families.
Attendees also included founding members of the School Meals for All coalition, Abby Halperin, Senior Policy and Evaluation Manager for the Center for Ecoliteracy, and Grace-Sonia Melanio, Director of External Affairs for the Office of Kat Taylor, who underscored the statewide importance of the program.
“Thanks to California’s leadership on School Meals for All, today’s fourth graders have never had to worry about whether they had enough lunch money to be able to eat,” said Abby Halperin. “In a state where 44% of our food-insecure families do not qualify for federal school meal benefits, School Meals for All makes sure all students have the nourishment they need to learn.”
“What we witnessed today at Mission Hills High School underscores the immense financial relief School Meals for All provides to families every single day,” said Grace-Sonia Melanio. “In a time of rising costs, ensuring children receive free, nutritious meals alleviates significant pressure on household budgets, allowing parents to reallocate those funds to rent, utilities, or other essential family needs.”
Pictures from the visit can be accessed here.
About San Marcos Unified School District: The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) serves more than 18,000 students across 19 schools in North County San Diego with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and future-ready learning. With a focus on building strong relationships and providing opportunities for every learner, SMUSD offers rigorous instructional programs, award-winning schools, and comprehensive support services designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and families. The district is committed to ongoing growth, responsible stewardship of public resources, and preparing every student to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Learn more at www.smusd.org.
About Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel represents California’s 76th Assembly District. A former scientist and local school board member, Assemblymember Patel is committed to advocating for education, public health, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to thrive. About the Center for Ecoliteracy: The Center for Ecoliteracy is reimagining school food as a pathway for learning and change. For 30 years, we’ve transformed education in classrooms, cafeterias, and gardens — partnering with hundreds of school districts, supporting thousands of educators, and ensuring millions of children have access to nutritious meals at school. Our core initiative, California Food for California Kids®, inspires schools to serve fresh, locally-sourced meals and engage students in the connections between food, culture, health, and the environment. Together, we can build a healthier, more hopeful future for our children. Visit ecoliteracy.org.
About the Office of Kat Taylor: The Office of Kat Taylor (OKT) is a social impact team dedicated to working in service of restoring social justice and environmental well-being to build a more equitable and inclusive world. As a co-sponsor of California’s School Meals for All (SMFA) initiative, OKT united over 200 partner organizations to bridge a critical hunger gap for families. OKT continues to champion policies and legislation that support California schools in serving freshly-prepared, locally grown meals to advance the health and wellness of all children. For more information, visit kattaylor.com.