What is this bill about?
AB 802 requires local juvenile justice commissions to survey youth in juvenile detention facilities every two years to find out if their right to adequate nutrition is being honored.
How does it align with yli’s values?
At yli, we have witnessed first hand the brutal impacts of our state’s harmful “justice” system on their lives, and the lives of their families. In addition, our youth leaders across the state have fought for access to healthy foods, uncovering racist patterns of food distribution in their communities. We are staunch advocates for measures that ensure that youth in county juvenile facilities are not going hungry – it’s not humane, and it’s not safe.
AB 802 is a cost-effective and straightforward bill. It provides for the local juvenile justice commission, already empowered by state law to inspect local juvenile halls and camps, to ask young people if they are adequately fed and if the food is acceptable. This information will allow local governments, advocates, and families to identify hidden problems and push for local solutions.
This policy aligns with our Racial Justice and Health Justice Platforms, which address the impacts of the carceral system and lack of access to healthy foods on communities of color.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter endorsing this bill, and we are showing our support on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Who supports this bill?
- Fresh Lifelines for Youth
- Prosecutors Alliance Action
- Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice