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Advocates Call on Legislature to Go Further, Expand Access to All

On February 15, the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services held an informational hearing to consider the Governor's January Budget proposals, including Food4All. The Governor's proposal calls for expanding the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to provide state-funded nutrition benefits to  Californians age 55 and over who ineligible for CalFresh solely due to their immigration status.

Nourish California and our Food4All cosponsors, the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) along with dozens of Food4All coalition members, voiced their support for expanding CFPA eligibility to ALL ages of Californians who are shut out of CalFresh due to immigration status. We thank our supporters for their advocacy, and thank the Committee Chair and members for considering our request.

On February 23rd, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services also held a hearing to consider the Anti-Poverty and Safety Net programs, including Food4All. Betzabel Estudillo, Senior Advocate, testified about the importance of seizing this crucial moment to expand CFAP to Californians of all ages.

"This is the time for our state to champion equitable policies and put forth a different vision for our nation, one where all Californians — regardless of immigration status — have the food they need.  — Betzabel Estudillo, Senior Advocate

We again thank the many organizations and individuals who submitted public comments to the Subcommittee in support of Food4All. Your voices and advocacy matter and are making a difference. Thank you.