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The CARES Act is an important step forward — but, critical gaps remain.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, known as H.R. 748, includes many key investments that will help Californians weather this crisis including stimulus payments, unemployment insurance, and funding for states and localities, but the act falls short of meeting the needs of struggling Californians, particularly the most under resourced. It also fails to ensure that all families, regardless of their immigration status, can access these necessary supports.

The act includes $15.5 billion for SNAP, but this funding will only cover the projected increase in applications and the costs of relief authorized in H.R. 6201, the second stimulus bill passed by congress. California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA) was disappointed to see additional investments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, known as CalFresh in California) not included within the funding package agreed upon by congress. During the last recession, experts said increasing SNAP benefits boosted consumer spending, which the economy and local businesses desperately need. Congress still needs to address the areas where this COVID-19 economic response bill falls short.

Congress should immediately start working on another plan to address urgent needs in areas like food assistance and other help for people who are struggling to make ends meet. CFPA will keep advocating for additional support at home here in California and in Washington D.C. to help ALL Californians put food on the table and find financial relief now, in the midst of this crisis, and after the immediate emergency has passed.

Call or email your Senators and Representatives at (202) 224-3121 (Capitol Switchboard). Share your community’s needs and the challenges you are seeing on the ground. Urge them to increase vital food assistance:

Questions? Contact: Melissa Cannon at 209.200.8446 or visit www.cfpa.net/covid19 or www.cfpa.net/federal-advocacy