Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) has introduced Senate Bill 1133, the Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act, and Senate Bill 1134, the SNAP to Thrive Act, a coordinated package designed to improve children’s health through education and nutrition. Together, the bills address the environment that shapes students’ lifelong habits.
“As a father of two, I’m always thinking about how to instill positive habits in our kids, so they can grow up healthy and strong,” said Senator Strickland. “My bills help California children build a foundation for learning, growth, and long-term well-being both in the classroom and at home.”
Both measures take a proactive approach to children’s health and focus on education and nutrition.
SB 1133: Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act
SB 1133 ensures that when the Instructional Quality Commission revises the state’s Health Education Framework, it considers evidence-based preventative health instruction. The goal is to give students practical tools for food literacy, sleep and stress management, and responsible digital balance.
SB 1133 does not mandate curriculum changes but ensures preventive health is thoughtfully integrated into the framework, reinforcing both academic readiness and lifelong wellness.
SB 1134: The SNAP to Thrive Act
The SNAP program, known in California as CalFresh, helps low-income families purchase food. Currently, the program allows benefits to be used for candy, sodas, and other ultra-processed foods. SB 1134 directs the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to seek a federal waiver to modernize CalFresh and promote healthier choices by limiting purchases of low-nutritional-value foods, such as sodas, candy, and prepackaged desserts. Once regulations defining ultra-processed foods under Assembly Bill 1264 (2025) are finalized, CDSS would seek a similar waiver to restrict the purchase of these foods. If federal approval is granted, the changes would be implemented within six months, helping families make healthier choices without reducing access to essential foods.
“Ultimately, healthy kids learn better, and healthy families thrive,” concluded Senator Strickland. “These measures equip our children with the tools and resources they need to grow up strong, focused, and ready for a lifetime of success.”