Topic Category: CalFresh

Fighting harmful cuts in the federal budget: Thank you for taking action!

Posted on by Jackie Mendelson

Esta traducción fue hecha usando un traductor en línea. Disculpas por cualquier error.

¡Gracias por participar en nuestro llamado a la acción y por hacer que su voz sea escuchada con su representante del Congreso! Desafortunadamente, anoche la Cámara aprobó con éxito su versión del proyecto de ley de conciliación presupuestaria, que incluye recortes devastadores que tendrían un impacto duradero en la capacidad de nuestro estado para apoyar una red equitativa de seguridad alimentaria.

La lucha no ha terminado! Todavía puedes usar tu voz para hacer una diferencia.

Usted todavía puede llamar a su representante del Congreso para expresar su decepción por el voto de aprobar este proyecto de ley. Vea si su representante votó “Sí” o “No” en la cuenta aquí.

(Nota: probablemente habrá un “pase” a la Cámara después de la consideración del Senado, por lo que los miembros de la Cámara todavía necesitan escuchar de usted)

Luego, el proyecto de ley será escuchado en el Senado de los EE. UU. Buscaremos maneras de tomar medidas contra este proyecto de ley dañino a medida que llegue al piso del Senado. Gracias por ser parte de nuestra comunidad, y juntos seguiremos luchando hasta que todos tengan acceso a los alimentos y recursos que necesitan y quieren prosperar.

Preguntas o quiere otras formas de actuar? Contacte con jackie@nourishca.org.

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Thank you for participating in our call to action and for making your voice heard with your Congressional Representative! Unfortunately, last night the House successfully passed their version of the budget reconciliation bill, which includes devastating cuts that would have a lasting impact on our state’s ability to support an equitable food safety net.

The fight is not over! You can still use your voice to make a difference.

You can still call your Congressional Representative to express your disappointment over their vote to pass this bill. See if your representative voted “Yea” or “Nay” on the bill here.

(note: there will likely be a “pass-back” to the House after Senate consideration, so House Members still need to hear from you)

Next, the bill will be heard in the U.S. Senate. We’ll reach out with ways to take action against this harmful bill as it makes it way through to the Senate floor.

Thank you for being part of our community, and together we will keep fighting until everyone has access to the food and resources they need and want to thrive.

Questions or want other ways to take action? Reach out to jackie@nourishca.org.

National Call-in Day of Action: Tell Your Representative to Stop a Harmful Federal Bill That Cuts SNAP & Medicaid

Posted on by Betzabel Estudillo

Día de Acción Nacional: Dile a tu Representante que detenga un proyecto de ley federal dañino que recorta SNAP y Medicaid

El domingo por la noche, el Comité de Presupuesto de la Cámara adelantó un proyecto de ley de reconciliación que incluye recortes perjudiciales a SNAP (conocido como CalFresh en CA) y Medicaid (conocido como Medi-Cal en CA).

Los invitamos a unirse a miles de personas en toda nuestra nación para pedir a sus representantes que detengan este proyecto de ley. Si usted ya ha hecho una llamada a Rep. Valdao, gracias. Por favor siga llamando hasta que el proyecto de ley sea derrotado.

Mientras luchamos por Food4All y el programa EBT de frutas y verduras en California, estos recortes devastadores tendrían un impacto duradero en la capacidad de nuestro estado para apoyar una red equitativa de seguridad alimentaria. El proyecto de ley:

  • Reducira los beneficios de SNAP para todos
  • Añadirá requisitos de trabajo estrictos que empeoran el acceso para las personas mayores hasta los 65 años y padres con hijos de tan solo 7 años
  • Estados como California deben cubrir hasta el 75% de los costos del SNAP, lo que probablemente llevaría a grandes e inmediatos recortes en el acceso a beneficios para todos

¿Qué es lo siguiente?
El Comité de Reglas de la Cámara votará sobre el proyecto de ley mañana, miércoles a la 1:00 AM ET (leíste correcto) y podría dirigirse a la Cámara para una votación tan pronto como el jueves.

Hay que tomar medidas HOY. Dígale a su Representante que vote NO a este proyecto de ley de reconciliación.

Instrucciones detalladas:
Su Representante fue elegido para representarte! Se le considera un voto clave y, como su constituyente, tiene el poder de decirle que vote “no” a este proyecto de ley.

  1. ✅ Prepárate para llamar
  2. 📲 Agarra tu teléfono
  3. 📞 Llame a su representente:
    • Representate Valadao: (559) 460-6070 (Hanford) o (661) 864-7736 (Bakersfield)
    • Representate Kim: (714) 984-2440 (Anaheim Hills) or (949) 268-6706 (Mission Viejo)
    • Representate Calvert:  (951) 277-0042 (Corona) or (760) 620-0041 (Palm Desert)
  4. 📢 Utilice este guión: Hola, mi nombre es _su nombre__ y soy un miembro del Representante _nombre de su Representante__. Llamo para instar al Representante a votar NO en el proyecto de ley de reconciliación y oponerse a los recortes del SNAP, Medicaid y otros programas críticos. Estos recortes perjudican a las familias trabajadoras, los veteranos, los ancianos y los niños, y empeoran el hambre para mí y mis vecinos. Le pido al Representante que vote “no” en un paquete de presupuesto con recortes a esencial.
  5. Háganos saber cómo fue su llamada usando este formulario aquí.

Preguntas? Contácte a Betzabel betzabel@nourishca.org

On Sunday night, the House Budget Committee advanced a reconciliation bill that includes harmful cuts to SNAP (CalFresh in CA) and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in CA). 

We invite you to join thousands of people across our nation to ask their Representatives to stop this bill. If you’ve already made a call to Rep. Valdao, thank you. Please keep calling until the bill is defeated. 

While we fight for Food4All and the Fruit and Vegetable EBT program in California, these devastating cuts would have a lasting impact on our state’s ability to support an equitable food safety net. The bill would:

  • Reduce SNAP benefits for everyone
  • Add strict work requirements that worsen access for seniors up to age 65 and parents with children as young as 7 years old
  • Force states like California to cover up to 75% of SNAP costs, which would likely lead to large and immediate cuts to access to benefits for everyone

What’s Next? 

The House Rules Committee will vote on the bill tomorrow, Wednesday at 1am ET (you read that right) and it could head to the House for a floor vote as soon as Thursday.

Take action TODAY. Tell your Representative to vote NO on this reconciliation bill. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Your Rep was elected to represent you! Listed below are the reps considered a key vote and as their constituent, you have the power to tell them to vote “no” on this bill. 

  1. ✅  Get ready to call 
  2. 📲 Grab your phone
  3. 📞 Contact Your Representative
    • Representative Valadao: (559) 460-6070 (Hanford) o (661) 864-7736 (Bakersfield)
    • Representative Kim: (714) 984-2440 (Anaheim Hills) or (949) 268-6706 (Mission Viejo)
    • Representative Calvert:  (951) 277-0042 (Corona) or (760) 620-0041 (Palm Desert)
  4. 📢 Use this Script: Hello, my name is _your name_ and I am a constituent of Representative __name of the Representative__. I’m calling to urge my Representative to vote NO on the reconciliation bill and oppose cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other critical programs. These cuts harm working families, veterans, seniors, and children, and worsen hunger and hardship for me and my neighbors. I am urging my Representative to speak up and vote “NO” on a budget package with cuts to essential programs–and instead, vote to protect families and invest in our district. Thank you. 
  5. 📝 Let us know how your call went using this tracking form here. 

Questions? Contact Jackie at jackie@nourishca.org.

CALL-IN DAY: CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program

Posted on by Eli Zigas

CALL-IN DAY: CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program

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Published on Apr 29, 2025 in CalFresh

As we get closer to Governor Newsom’s May Revision of the California State Budget, we need legislators to take a stand in protecting this program that makes it easier to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. On May 1, 2025, Nourish California and Fullwell are hosting a Call-In Day: CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable to flood our legislators' phone lines with messages of support for this program.

How to call your legislators

Step 1: Find your CA representative

Step 2: Locate their phone number here (Assembly) and here (Senate)

While we are focusing the calls on May 1, feel free to call any day that works for you - or even more than once! The priority is to make sure that your legislators hear what is important to you.

Sample call script: 

"Hi, my name is ___. I live in your district and I urge you to support Assemblymember Lee and Senator Richardson's budget request letter for $63 million to restart the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT program. Please make sure this funding is included in the state budget so that families in California can have access to more healthy food for at least 12 more months. Will you sign onto the letter?"

Why a Call-In Day?

The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT program allows CalFresh recipients to earn up to $60/month in additional CalFresh benefits when they use their EBT card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. It is a highly successful program in reducing hunger, improving health, and supporting California's agricultural economy. In fact, the program was so successful that it was forced to pause for lack of funds on January 31, 2025.

Since the pause, you have made your voice heard:

You like this program.

You want this program back.

We hear you loud and clear, and it's time that your legislators do too. This Call-in Day: CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable is an opportunity for that. Call your legislators and urge them to support this critical program so it can restart!

Why are we asking legislators to sign onto a budget letter?

A budget letter is a way for lawmakers to show the governor and legislative leaders that they support giving money from the state budget to a specific program. The more legislators that sign the letter, the stronger the show of support. Budget letters are a powerful way to influence budget decisions and increase the likelihood of getting funding approved.

Without receiving more funding from the state budget, the program will not be able to restart. That is why it’s important to contact your legislators and ask them to add their name to the budget letter!

Questions? Contact: Eli Zigas at ezigas@fullwell.us or Betzabel Estudillo at betzabel@nourishca.org 

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3 Actions to Support AB 1049 (C. Rodriguez) in Assembly Appropriations!

Posted on by Jackie Mendelson

We are thrilled that AB 1049 (C. Rodriguez) has successfully passed out of the Assembly Human Services Committee! This marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to drive meaningful change and create a food safety net that everyone has equitable access to, regardless of immigration status.

See "background" below for more information the bill.

What's next?

The Assembly Appropriations Committee will review AB 1049's costs and determine whether it will be sent to an Assembly floor vote. Your continued support and advocacy are essential as we continue to be clear with our message - Food4All! No exceptions, no exclusions.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

See below for 3 ways you can support this bill right now.

1) Call and email these Assembly leaders

Send an email to Assembly Appropriations Chair and Speaker!

Send an email in support by clicking the button, and then call using the script and phone numbers below!

Send an email now!

Call the Assembly Appropriations Chair and Speaker!

  • Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-14) - (916) 319-2014
  • Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-29) - (916) 319-2029

Sample script:

Hi, my name is _____, and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge (Assembly Speaker Rivas/Assemblymember Wicks) to support AB 1049, a bill that removes barriers to accessing critical food assistance for immigrant Californians by removing a discriminatory rule called “sponsor deeming” from the eligibility determination for the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP). California has a responsibility to uphold its commitment to protecting immigrant families. By passing AB 1049, we can strengthen California’s food safety net, reduce the chilling effect, and build a simpler pathway for struggling families to find much-needed support, especially in times of economic hardship.

Please support AB 1049 in Assembly Appropriations. Thank you.

2) Share this call to action to social media!

Click the button to the right to access our Social Media Toolkit! Share the captions to your preferred social media account, tag and post hashtags, and share the graphic in this folder.

Post on social media!

3) Send in a Letter of Support!

Click the button to the right to access the Letter of Support template. Follow instructions on the first page to create your account and submit your letter to the California Advocates Portal.

Send a Letter of Support!

Background

In February 2025, the Food4All campaign introduced AB 1049 (Rodriguez) to remove a discriminatory rule called sponsor deeming from the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) so that immigrant Californians seeking food benefits face fewer barriers in getting the support they need to meet their food needs. Now we need your help to make sure this bill makes it through Assembly Human Services.

Bill Fact Sheet - English
Bill Fact Sheet - Spanish

Thank you for your support on Food4All and advancing a food safety net where everyone has access to the food they want and need, regardless of immigration status.

To learn more about AB 1049 and how you can get involved in the Food4All campaign, click here.

Questions? Contact Jackie Mendelson at jackie@nourishca.org or Benyamin Chao at bchao@caimmigrant.org. 

Support AB 1049 (Rodriguez) as it heads to Assembly Human Services!

Posted on by Jackie Mendelson

In February 2025, the Food4All campaign introduced AB 1049 (Rodriguez) to remove a discriminatory rule called sponsor deeming from the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) so that immigrant Californians seeking food benefits face fewer barriers in getting the support they need to meet their food needs. Now we need your help to make sure this bill makes it through Assembly Human Services.

Send in your Letter of Support now!

Click the button to the right to access the Letter of Support template. Follow instructions on the first page to create your account and submit your letter to the California Advocates Portal.

Questions? Reach out to jackie@nourishca.org.

Click Here to support AB 1049!

Letters are due no later than Wednesday, April 2 by 5pm.

AB 1049 will be heard in the Assembly Human Services Committee on Tuesday, April 8th. Stay tuned for more ways to support Food4All and this bill.

Thank you for your support on Food4All and advancing a food safety net where everyone has access to the food they want and need, regardless of immigration status.

SB 1254 Waiver Approved : A Victory for Reentry & Food Access—What’s Next?

Posted on by Kameron Mims-Jones

Last year, SB 1254 was signed into law, marking a historic step toward ensuring that individuals leaving incarceration can access the food assistance they need to rebuild their lives. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of directly impacted leaders, community organizations, and partners across California, we are now seeing this critical policy move from legislation to real-world implementation.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has taken up the work of enacting SB 1254’s provisions with urgency. This is a significant step toward reversing the harm of past policies, which invested heavily in incarceration while leaving returning community members with little support. The human cost of these past decisions is immeasurable, but we can clearly track the resources spent on building and maintaining carceral systems—resources that could have been used to create stability and opportunity instead. SB 1254 is a shift in the right direction.

Where We Are Now

As required by SB 1254, CDSS submitted a request to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to expand pre-release applications for CalFresh statewide. We are excited to share that FNS has officially approved this request.

  • This waiver will be in effect from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2030, and applies to all state prisons and county jails in California.
  • Until then, the current pre-release waiver—first released in the All County Welfare Directors Letter (ACWDL) on November 18, 2022—remains in place.
  • This means that while the Orange County pre-release pilot continues, other counties have the opportunity to opt in before the statewide waiver takes effect. 

This approval is a major step in ensuring that people leaving incarceration are connected to critical food resources before they return home, helping to reduce hunger and increase stability during reentry.

Why This Matters for Communities

When someone returns from incarceration, they are not returning in isolation—they are coming back to families, neighborhoods, and communities that must also be resourced to support their transition.

  • Ensuring that returning citizens have access to food is not just about the individual—it strengthens entire communities by reducing economic strain on families and support networks.
  • Local organizations, service providers, and advocacy groups play a vital role in creating pathways for stability, but they need the right policies and resources in place to do that effectively.
  • Investing in food security for those leaving incarceration is part of a larger effort to create thriving, self-sustaining communities where every person has the tools to succeed.

What’s Next

The work doesn’t stop with the bill’s passage. Counties have until October 26 to opt in before the pre-release waiver is implemented statewide. This next phase is crucial in ensuring every county understands, adopts, and fully implements this policy so that no one falls through the cracks.

We are also continuing to deepen our impact through :

  • A webinar to share updates and equip advocates with the tools to support local implementation.
  • A podcast documenting the journey of this coalition—the challenges, the victories, and what comes next.
  • More to come—the long-term goal is that the podcast will expand beyond this campaign to highlight broader conversations about justice, policy, and the movement ahead.

This moment is worth celebrating—not just as a policy win, but as a sign that change is possible when we come together. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Thank the Govenor & Your Legislator

Please join us in thanking the legislators who supported SB 1254 for their commitment to removing barriers to food and resources for people impacted by incarceration!

Send a letter straight to the Governor and your Legislators using the button below.

Send Your Letter

TAKE ACTION: Tell California’s Budget Leaders to Keep CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Benefits

Posted on by Courtney Shojinaga

TAKE ACTION: Tell California’s Budget Leaders to Keep CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Benefits

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Published on Feb 3, 2025 in CalFresh, State Legislation

For the second time in a year, CalFresh participants have lost benefits that help make healthy food more affordable. As of January 2025, 67,000 CalFresh households were earning a total of $3.3 million in rebates each month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables through the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT program. The program was so successful that it was forced to pause for lack of funds on January 31, 2025.  As a result, Californians with low-income are losing up to $60/month for fresh fruits and vegetables – which will make it even harder to buy the food they need at a time of historically high food prices.

The legislature and governor need to put at least $63 million in this year's state budget to serve even more people and help them afford more healthy food for at least 12 more months.

Action Items

We need your help to ensure that CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable benefits continue for the tens of thousands of families that depend on the program. Our state leaders need to hear from you!

Decisions about whether the program will receive funding to continue operating will be made between now and the end of June — don’t wait, make your voice heard and support increasing CalFresh benefits today.

1) Sign our Petition to State Budget Leaders

Use our Action Alert link to add your name to the petition.

2) Send an Email to your Legislator

Use our Action Alert link to email your state Assemblymember and Senator.

3) Call Your Legislator and Key State Leaders

Key Leaders

Sample call script: 

Hi, my name is _____. I'm a constituent and would like to leave a comment. I urge [Assemblymember or Senator's name] to support funding in the state budget to keep the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program alive. Specifically, I want them to support Assemblymember Alex Lee's request for $63 million dollars so the program can help make healthy food more affordable for California families for at least 12 more months and help more people. [A sentence about why the program is important to you] Can I count on your support for keeping the Fruit and Vegetable EBT program going? Thank you for passing along my comment.

Background

CalFresh helps more than five million people put food on the table. But federal benefit levels limit purchasing power, especially in the face of California’s relentlessly high cost of living. For the majority of CalFresh participants, benefits do not last through the whole month.

Recognizing the potential for supplemental benefit programs to fight hunger and support California's economy, the state funded the Fruit and Vegetable EBT program in 2018, 2023, and 2024. The program provides 75,000 CalFresh participants with up to $60 a month in rebates when they buy fresh fruits and vegetables with their CalFresh benefits. The program was providing a total of $2.5 million in food assistance across the state each month.

The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT program has been a great success, but is being forced to pause. Due to the program's popularity, the funding for it has, once again, run out.

We need the Legislature and Governor to include at least $63 million in the state budget to keep the program going for 12 months and to help more California families. That's only 0.027% of the overall state budget. This program is cost-effective, efficient, and critical. At a time of tight budgets – for both the state and millions of Californians – it's an investment that is absolutely worth continuing.

You can support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Program by joining our campaign and taking one or more of the actions above today!

Questions? Contact: Eli Zigas at ezigas@fullwell.us

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A Coalition Victory: Governor Newsom Signs SB 1254 Into Law

Posted on by Kameron Mims-Jones

A Coalition Victory: Governor Newsom Signs SB 1254 Into Law

(listen to the post above)

 I’m excited to share that Governor Newsom signed SB 1254 into law! This is a major step forward for California. Our campaign faced strong opposition, but we pushed through with determination and the support of an incredible coalition. Every obstacle overcome reaffirmed what we knew: this is good policy.

Thank you All of Us or None/LSPC, our co sponsors who kept us focused on those impacted from our community and the Thriving Transitions coalition for developing this timely piece of legislation. We so appreciate and recognize the significance of the direct action you took: our network, we couldn’t have done it without you. I also want to thank Senator Josh Becker for his dedication, a steady champion for SB 1254 so that food access can be part of the transition back to community across the state .

I’m encouraged by the bipartisan support we gained on this journey. It shows that human-centered policies can bring people together across the aisle. I'm proud of the hard work that got us here, alongside dynamic leaders. 

Thank you Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of this policy and signing it into law. It wasn't an easy journey, but together we made the case for smart, people-centered policy. This is just the beginning, and we’re ready for what comes next.

Transitions are hard. Food helps. 

In solidarity,

Kameron

IMG_4442

 

Get involved by learning more about SB 1254's journey and the Thriving Transitions coalition. The work continues! Click here.

Questions? Contact Kameron Mims Jones, Senior Policy Advocate, kameron@nourishca.org.

We Did It! SB1254 is in the Governor’s Hands—Let’s Get It Signed!

Posted on by Kameron Mims-Jones

Thanks to your incredible support, SB 1254 has successfully passed through both houses of the California Legislature! We are now one step closer to ensuring that incarcerated individuals can apply for CalFresh benefits before their release, easing their transition back into the community and reducing food insecurity.

Transitions are hard, especially for those impacted by incarceration. Access to food is a basic need that helps stabilize lives and supports successful reentry into society. By signing SB 1254, Governor Newsom can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of Californians, helping them rebuild and thrive.

Join us in urging Governor Newsom to sign SB 1254 into law. Your voice matters—let’s make this happen!

It’s Olympic Gold Season: SB 1254 Sprints to Appropriations

Posted on by Kameron Mims-Jones

It's Olympic Gold Season: SB 1254 Sprints to Appropriations

We are thrilled that SB 1254 has successfully passed out of the Public Safety Committee! This crucial legislation will now move on to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. This marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to drive meaningful change and create a safer, more just community for everyone.

Mapping the Progress: SB 1254’s Legislative Timeline

The Appropriations Committee will review SB 1254's financial implications and determine the next steps. Your continued support and advocacy are essential as we navigate this next phase. We have come a long way in the legislative process. Thank you, Senator Becker, for your leadership and collaboration.

Here’s a look at our journey:

SB 1254 timeline

 

Get Involved

Call and/or Email These Senators

  1. Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-14) (916) 319-2014
  2. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-29) (916) 319-2029

Please also contact your own Assemblymember if you have time (find your rep here).

Sample script:

Hi, my name is _____, and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge Assemblymember ______ to support SB 1254, a bill that will allow people leaving jails or prisons to pre-enroll in CalFresh. Food insecurity is one of the most significant challenges faced by previously incarcerated individuals upon re-entry. SB 1254, the FRESH Act, removes unnecessary federal barriers to re-entry.

Please support SB 1254 in Assembly Appropriations. Thank you. 

To learn more about SB 1254 and how you can get involved in the Thriving Transitions campaign, click here.

Questions? Contact Kameron Mims Jones, Senior Policy Advocate, kameron@nourishca.org.

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