Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025.

Senator Pérez's Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025 directs California education and social services departments to develop a statewide online application system for the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children program, which provides grocery benefits to students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals during summer months.

The legislation requires the State Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Social Services, to create a centralized website where families can submit program applications. The system must route completed applications to local educational agencies for eligibility determination, accommodate multiple languages, and maintain federal privacy standards. School districts and county superintendents must continue providing paper applications when federally required, while gaining the option to use alternative income verification forms developed by the education department.

The bill mandates that online meal program applications include links to related assistance programs, including CalFresh, healthcare coverage, WIC, and summer lunch programs. It preserves existing protections against identifying participating students through special serving lines, separate dining areas, or other means. Local agencies and school districts will receive state reimbursement for costs associated with implementing these new requirements.