Edgar Manalo, the business services director for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, has been selected as one of 10 members in No Kid Hungry’s inaugural Summer EBT Champion Network. Manalo stands as the only representative from Orange County within this national network, which spans eight states and comprises school and district leaders dedicated to raising awareness about a vital federal nutrition program. This initiative, also known as SUN Bucks, aims to connect families with crucial support during the summer months.
The federal Summer EBT program is designed to provide $120 in grocery benefits to eligible children. This assistance is particularly significant during the summer, a period when traditional school meals are unavailable. According to No Kid Hungry, school campuses and district offices are considered among the most trusted sources of information for families seeking details about Summer EBT, making school and district leaders instrumental in helping families understand and access these benefits.
At the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Manalo's responsibilities encompass procurement, contracts, warehouse operations, and food services. He also leads outreach efforts through the district’s “More than a Meal” campaign. This campaign connects families with a range of year-round resources, including Summer EBT, free meals, CalKIDS, and utility assistance. In his profile for No Kid Hungry, Manalo emphasized that Summer EBT is crucial for ensuring students maintain access to nutritious food even when school is out, underscoring the importance of educating both families and school staff about the program's operation.
Dareen Khatib, senior administrator of Health, Safety and Prevention for the Orange County Department of Education’s Educational Services Division, praised Manalo for his dedication. Khatib stated, “Congratulations to Edgar, a true school nutrition champion who understands the connection between school meals and learning.” She further noted that Manalo consistently cultivates partnerships and links families to essential resources such as SUN Bucks, which serve to bridge the nutrition gap many children often experience during the summer months when they lose access to their reliable daily school meals.
No Kid Hungry established the Summer EBT Champion Network earlier this year. Its purpose is to elevate the voices of educational leaders who are actively helping families learn about the program and encouraging schools to disseminate information within their communities. The champions, representing diverse roles within education, are expected to promote Summer EBT through various platforms, including conferences, newsletters, and other outreach efforts.
