Topic Category: CalFresh

Food4All Coalition Responds to California’s Budget

Posted on by Jackie Mendelson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2024

CONTACT

Edward Sifuentes, esifuentes@caimmigrant.org, (760) 936-2632

Courtney Shojinaga, courtney@nourishca.org, (213) 204-3614

Food4All Coalition Responds to California’s Budget Deal Delaying Food Benefits to Undocumented Immigrants Ages 55 and Over

Los Angeles – Today, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the final 2024-25 state budget agreement, which delays the state’s previous commitment to provide access to food benefits for immigrant Californians ages 55 and older by two years, from October 2025 to 2027. The Food4All coalition is pleased that despite the state’s budget shortfall, the governor and Legislature maintained funding to continue the work necessary to ensure system readiness when the California Food Assistance Program expansion takes place. However, knowing that many of California’s immigrant communities are struggling to put food on the table now, the Food4All coalition is concerned by the governor and Legislature’s decision to delay crucial help to Californians currently in need. 

Sixty-four percent of undocumented Californians of all ages are living in or near poverty. CalFresh is California’s most successful anti-poverty program, yet immigration status remains a barrier to access for up to 770,000 Californians of all ages. California must remove unjust exclusions and create a food safety net that supports all Californians, regardless of where they were born.

The final budget affirms the state’s commitment to ultimately expanding access to food assistance to all regardless of immigration status. Still, as a result of this two-year delay, up to 130,000 older Californians will continue to be denied access to critical food programs, solely due to their immigration status. The coalition will continue to work with the Governor’s office and members of the Legislature to remove exclusions to food assistance based on people’s age and immigration status until all Californians have access to the food they need. No exceptions, no exclusions, no delays.

In response to Gov. Newsom’s state budget, members of the Food4All coalition issued the following statements:

Benyamin Chao, Health & Public Benefits Policy Manager at California Immigrant Policy Center:

“It is concerning that our elected leaders have delayed critical food benefits from reaching immigrant Californians who are experiencing immediate need. The delay means that excluded immigrants will continue to face the strain of food insecurity and poverty without relief. Moving forward, we urge the governor and legislature to reprioritize the well-being of vulnerable immigrant communities and speed up our progress towards a future where no Californian experiences food insecurity and hunger.”

Jackie Mendelson, Policy Advocate at Nourish California:

“We recognize the tough decisions that had to be made amidst our state’s budget deficit, and we commend the state’s promise to one day expand food access for undocumented immigrants – however, as a coalition, we are saddened by this decision as it will perpetuate the harm caused by food insecurity for hundreds of thousands of Californians for two more years. We remain persistent in our fight for Food4All. Immigration status must not be a barrier to food access – everyone, no matter where they were born, deserves equitable access to our state’s food safety net.”

Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger):

“We are disappointed that we have to wait two more years. Hunger doesn’t wait. Food for all should be a priority. Your immigration status should not matter when you are hungry. By expanding food assistance programs, we can alleviate hunger, improve health, and uplift families. Excluding immigrant communities undermines our well-being and hinders our state’s ability to thrive. We must get this right.”

Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles):

“In the fifth largest economy in the world, no one should go hungry regardless of their immigration status. While I am disappointed at the delay of Food4All, I am proud that our budget remains committed to combating food insecurity in the state. We will continue to fight for the full expansion of food assistance to create a California for ALL.”

Veronica Arciga Barriga, Visión y Compromiso:

“We are deeply disappointed by the delay in expanding the California Food Assistance Program to undocumented older adults. This decision prolongs the hardships faced by our most vulnerable community members and undermines their right to live with dignity and health. Food4All is essential because no one should go hungry in a state as prosperous as California.”

Irene Gomez, Program Manager of PUENTES, Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project:

Original quote in Spanish: “Gobernador Newson, Por medio de estas palabras me dirijo a usted para comunicar el sentir de nuestra comunidad Indígena indocumentada trabajadora del campo. Estamos muy impresionados y decepcionados por la noticia que nos comunicaron. Trabajando con la comunidad Indígena inmigrante por varios años, sabemos que siempre ha habido una desventaja para las familias indocumentadas de poder recibir beneficios como es el CFAP y CalFresh. Sabemos lo importante que es este beneficio para nuestras familias durante el año pero, en ciertas fechas del año en el que el trabajo escasea, es más difícil para la comunidad poder poner un plato de comida a la mesa. Principalmente las familias indocumentadas que no tienen familia mixta, y no cuentan con otros apoyos para poder apoyarse en tiempos difíciles. Necesitamos que se reconsidere en su presupuesto como lo había prometido de poder ayudar a nuestros adultos mayores, para que puedan recibir los beneficios de comida para todos. CFAP y CalFresh, es un derecho que todos deben de recibir sin importar los estatus migratorios, porque todos los trabajadores Californianos contribuyen en la economía de este país.”

English Translation: “Governor Newson, through these words I address and communicate to you the feelings of our undocumented Indigenous community working in the fields. We are very shocked and disappointed by the news we were told. Having worked with the Indigenous immigrant community for several years, we know that there has always been a disadvantage for undocumented families in not being able to receive benefits such as CFAP and CalFresh. We know how important these benefits are to our families throughout the year, but at certain times of the year when work is scarce, it is more difficult for the community to be able to put a plate of food on the table. Mainly undocumented families who do not have a mixed family, and do not have other support in difficult times. We need you to reconsider your budget, as you had promised, to be able to help our seniors, so that they can receive the benefits of Food for All. CFAP and CalFresh is a right that everyone should receive regardless of immigration status, because all California workers contribute to the economy of this country.”

###

The Food4All coalition is a diverse, robust coalition of more than 100 anti-hunger, anti-poverty, immigrant rights, and grassroots organizations that are working together to bring an equitable food safety net that does not discriminate based on immigration status.

Founded in 1992 and operating for over a quarter century as California Food Policy Advocates, Nourish California is a nonpartisan, statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We engage in policy advocacy and research at the local, regional, and state levels in California and at the federal level. When our small team isn’t out meeting with communities, partners, and policymakers, we can be found in our offices in Oakland, Los Angeles (virtual), and San Diego (virtual).

The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is a statewide immigrant rights organization that advocates for policies that protect and advance the rights of immigrants and their families throughout California. CIPC combines legislative and policy advocacy, strategic communications, statewide organizing, and regional coalition capacity building to pursue its mission of advocating for policies that uphold the humanity of immigrants and refugees while advancing racial, social, and economic justice.

Final Budget Agreement Preserves Modest Investments in Food Assistance

Posted on by Jared Call
Equitable, Sustainable Funding Still Needed to Address High Rates of Food Insecurity

On Saturday, June 22, Governor Newsom and the Legislature announced a final agreement on the 2024-25 State Budget. Despite a significant funding shortfall next fiscal year, the budget includes limited but critical investments needed to address the high level of hunger, poverty, and inequity faced by Californians with low and moderate income. We applaud the Legislature and Administration for finding solutions that largely protect the safety net from major cuts.

Your support and advocacy made the difference. Thank you. 

We must also remind state leaders that it is in such times of fiscal difficulty and economic hardship that we must invest in programs and services that foster equity and make California a state where all can thrive. Families continue to struggle to put food on the table, older adults need more support to age with dignity, and kids and college students need adequate resources to learn, grow and thrive to reach their full potential.  We again thank the Legislature and the Newsom Administration for working to prevent harmful cuts and look forward to continuing to work together to implement new policies and solutions that will mitigate the alarming, persistent rates of hunger and hardship across our state.

Below are a number of highlights from the final 2024-25 budget package. with respect to food and nutrition.

Food and Nutrition 

Food4All/CFAP Expansion – Automation to Continue, Implementation Delayed to October 2027

Last year’s state budget included a planned implementation date for the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) expansion to income-eligible Californians aged 55 and older, regardless of immigration status, of October 2025. The Governor’s May Revision proposed to delay implementation until 2027 — a two year delay from what was anticipated. 

The final budget deal proposes to reallocate unused funding for planning and automation activities from 2023-24 to 2024-25 and ongoing. It also requires the Department of Social Services to provide a report to the Legislature and Department of Finance no later than January 1, 2025, describing how automation funding has been used to date and outlining the plan for spending in 2024-25 and beyond. 

Nourish California is pleased that the Legislature and Administration will continue to move toward implementing the CFAP expansion. However, this delay and lack of new investments stalls California’s progress toward an inclusive and equitable food safety net, and fails to address urgent food insecurity among immigrant communities across the state. Read the full statement from the Food4All coalition here.

We will continue to work with our legislative champions, the Legislature, and the Governor’s office to get the implementation timeline back on track to ensure access to CFAP benefits for Californians of all ages, regardless of immigration status, begins as soon as possible. 

Take Action: Join the Food4All Campaign to expand food benefits to Californians of all ages, regardless of immigration status. No exceptions. No exclusions. No delays.

Emergency Food

The final budget approves trailer bill language to permanently authorize the state Emergency Food Bank Reserve. It also approves $9 million for expansion to 11 food and diaper distribution sites for diaper and wipe distribution for low-income families with infants or toddlers. 

Nourish California and our partners call on the Governor and Legislature to provide adequate ongoing funding to address the ongoing elevated need across the state. For more information, see the California Association of Food Banks’ budget statement. 

School Meals and SUN Bucks 

The final budget continues to invest in students’ access to breakfast and lunch — free of charge — each school day. 

We applaud the Legislature and Administration for this commitment to the health, well being, and learning of all kids in California public schools. We urge the Governor and the Legislature to permanently guarantee that funding for meal reimbursements remains secure, sustainable, and sufficient. We also call on state budget leaders to ensure schools have the necessary resources and capacity to reach all students with nutritious, appealing, culturally appropriate meals.

The proposed budget also includes full funding for administrative costs to operate Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, in 2024 and 2025. We applaud the commitment to children’s well-being reflected in this investment, ensuring the successful implementation of the SUN Bucks program in 2024 and providing essential food resources to 5.3 million eligible children during the summer months. We will continue to advocate with our partners to ensure timely implementation of SUN Bucks this summer and beyond.

Take Action: Join the Campaign to Ensure Healthy Meals for Every Kid Every Day

CalFresh Minimum Benefit Pilot

The final budget rejects the Governor’s proposal to cancel the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot, which will ensure participating households receive no less than $50 per month in CalFresh benefits. We applaud the Legislature for restoring funding to this vital pilot program. Nourish California, the California Association of food Banks, GRACE/End Child Poverty in CA, and Hunger Action Los Angeles thank Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 Chair Menjivar and state budget leaders for their leadership on this and other important anti-hunger and anti-poverty investments.

CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot

Happily, the 2024-25 budget includes $10 million in funding to continue to operate the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot. This extremely successful project was prematurely paused in April 2024 because it was so popular that the funding that was previously allocated ran out too early. That means participants saw a cut of $50 – $60 per month in their already inadequate CalFresh benefit allotments. 

Nourish California and our cosponsors Fullwell, extend our deep gratitude to state budget leaders, particularly Senate Scott Wiener, for continuing to champion this innovative and phenomenally successful program. We look forward to working with CDSS to restart the program and continue to plan for its expansion and long-term sustainability.

CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot

AB 161, the Human Services Omnibus trailer bill, includes  language that would effectively extend this successful pilot through March 2026, or until allocated funding expires.. This means 3,000 households in Kern County that do not have potable water will continue to receive an additional $50 per month in CalFresh to help defray the extra cost of drinking water. We applaud the Legislature and Governor for agreeing to this extension and look forward to working with partners and state leaders to explore opportunities to expand and improve the pilot.

California Nutrition Incentive Program

The final agreement restores $33.2 million to the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP). The funding supports “Market Match” and other successful programs that provide matching funds to CalFresh shoppers at local farmers’ markets. We applaud the full funding CNIP as provided in the 2024-25 budget.

There are no other proposed investments in CalFresh despite the rising rates of hunger and inadequate CalFresh benefit allotments. Join us in calling on the Governor and Legislature to enact bold changes and long-term investments to close eligibility gaps, make CalFresh easier to enroll in and ensure benefit amounts adequate to last through the month.

Take Action: Join the Campaign to Boost CalFresh Benefits by extending successful supplemental benefit programs.

Early Care Nutrition

The final budget does not include additional funding for an equitable state meal reimbursement in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We are disappointed that once again Family Child Care providers will continue to be shortchanged by the state for serving healthy meals to kids in their care. Nourish California and the Child Care Food Roundtable will continue our efforts to enact an equitable state meal reimbursement for CACFP. We invite you to join us.

Take Action: Join the Food with Care 2024 Campaign to ensure healthy meals for our youngest learners and full reimbursement for child care providers. 

Immigrant Supports

The final budget maintains funding levels to expand full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility to all income-eligible adults. Nourish California and our partners in the immigrant rights space are very pleased that the Governor kept his commitment to expanding health care access to all immigrants. 

Safety Net and Income Support 

Stay tuned for our upcoming analysis of the 2024-25 budget with respect to the broader social safety net.

How Can I Help?

The state budget reflects our collective values and priorities. Your advocacy can shape the state budget. Join our campaign actions and stay up to date by visiting our action center: act.nourishca.org 

For more information, contact Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org 

Advancing CA Food Security and Public Safety Through SB 1254

Posted on by Kameron Mims-Jones

Advancing California Food Security and Public Safety Through SB 1254

As we celebrate a significant milestone in our mission to enhance food security and public safety in California, we are pleased to announce that SB 1254 has successfully passed the Senate floor and is now headed to the Assembly. This legislation, also known as the Food for Re-entry and Ensuring Stable Homes (FRESH) Act, is a critical step toward addressing food insecurity among individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community.

The Intersection of Incarceration and Food Insecurity

Incarceration disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities, exacerbating issues of food insecurity and economic instability. Upon release, many formerly incarcerated individuals struggle to access basic necessities, including nutritious food. This lack of access undermines their health and hampers their ability to reintegrate into society successfully.

A recent memo by Nourish California outlines the profound impact of incarceration on food insecurity. It highlights how systemic barriers prevent returning citizens from securing stable employment and housing, further entrenching them in cycles of poverty and recidivism. Food insecurity is a pervasive issue that disproportionately burdens those who the criminal justice system has impacted.

SB 1254: A Path to Increased Food Security and Public Safety

SB 1254 aims to mitigate these challenges by allowing incarcerated individuals to apply for CalFresh benefits up to 90 days before their release. This pre-enrollment process ensures that individuals have immediate access to food assistance upon reentry, providing a crucial safety net during their transition.

Key Benefits of SB 1254:

  1. Increased Food Security: By providing timely access to CalFresh benefits, SB 1254 helps to ensure that returning citizens do not face hunger and malnutrition, which are significant barriers to successful reintegration.
  2. Enhanced Public Safety: Access to basic needs, including food, reduces the likelihood of recidivism. Ensuring that individuals have the support they need upon release contributes to safer communities.
  3. Health and Economic Benefits: Adequate nutrition is essential for physical and mental health. SB 1254 not only supports individual well-being but also reduces healthcare costs and promotes economic stability by enabling individuals to focus on securing employment and housing.

Building on Successful Collaborations

Our journey toward advancing SB 1254 has been marked by collaboration and perseverance. Through strategic amendments and open dialogue, we have successfully addressed opposition and garnered broad support. This progress is a testament to the power of community advocacy and partnership. Organizations like All of Us or None / Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC), Root & Rebound, and Justice In Aging have been invaluable allies in this effort, and we are deeply grateful for their support.

A Commitment to Justice and Equity

As SB 1254 heads to the Assembly floor, we remain committed to our broader mission of ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to thrive. This legislation represents a crucial step toward dismantling systemic barriers and promoting restorative justice for formerly incarcerated individuals.

We invite our community, partners, and supporters to continue standing with us as we push for the passage of SB 1254 all the way to the Governor's desk! Together, we can create a more just and equitable state where no one is left behind, and access to a thriving transition is the norm, not the exception.

Take Action

As we move forward, SB 1254, the Food for Re-entry and Ensuring Stable Homes (FRESH) Act, is now headed to the Human Services and Public Safety Committee. Below, you will find template support letters to submit to the committee. Thank you for standing with us in this critical mission.

Support 1254- Public Safety

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

Legislature’s Budget Package Rejects Many of Governor’s Proposed Cuts to Food Assistance and Safety Net

Posted on by Jared Call

FINAL DECISIONS ARE BEING MADE NOW! 

Take Action Today in Support of Equitable Food Access for All Californians

Overview

Last week, the Assembly and Senate announced their joint 2024-25 budget package. The plan rejects many of Governor Newsom’s proposals to cut or delay key investments needed to address the level of hunger, poverty, and inequity faced by Californians with low and moderate income. Your support and advocacy made the difference. Thank you.

We applaud the Legislature for their approach that continues to  invest in programs and services that foster equity and make California a state for ALL. We call on Governor Newsom to follow the Legislature’s lead and include funding for vital safety net programs in the final state budget.

Below are a number of highlights from the Legislature’s budget proposal with respect to Food and Nutrition.

Food and Nutrition 

Food4All/CFAP Expansion – Accepts Proposed Delay to 2027-28, With Continued Funding for Automation

The Legislature’s plan approves the Governor’s proposed delay of the CFAP expansion to October 2027. However, they also approved the reallocation of unused funds from the 2023-2024 state budget to the 2024-2025 state budget to continue the necessary automation for the expansion. We must now tell the Governor stand firm in his commitment to Food4All by rejecting all delays AND ensure that progress toward the expansion will continue to be funded. 

Nourish California, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and the Food4All Coalition urge the Governor to get the implementation timeline back on track to ensure access to CFAP benefits for Californians of all ages, regardless of immigration status, begins as soon as possible. 

Take Action: Contact the Governor today! Tell him to reject any delay to expanding CFAP to income-eligible Californians of all ages, regardless of immigration status. No exception, No exclusions, No delays. Here is an easy guide to help you.

CalFresh Minimum Benefit Pilot

The Legislature rejects the Governor’s proposal to  cancel the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot, which will ensure participating households receive no less than $50 per month in CalFresh benefits. We applaud the Legislature for restoring funding to this vital pilot program. 

Take Action! Please contact the Governor today to tell him to accept the Legislature’s proposal and restore funding for the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot. See below for instructions.

CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot

The Legislature’s plan does not include funding to continue to operate the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot. Without additional funding, this successful pilot projects will expire prematurely. That means participants will see a cut of $50 – $60 per month in the already inadequate CalFresh benefit allotments. 

Take Action! Join us in calling on the Legislature and Governor to provide the necessary bridge funding to ensure no pilot participants see a cut to their vital food assistance. See below for instructions.

CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot

The Legislature proposes trailer bill language that would effectively extend the pilot through March 2026. This means 3,000 households in Kern County that do not have potable water will continue to receive an additional $50 per month in CalFresh to help defray the extra cost of drinking water. We applaud the Legislature for proposing this extension and urge the Governor to accept this simple no-cost solution.

Take Action! Join us in calling on the Governor to accetp the Legislature’s proposal. See below for instructions.

California Nutrition Incentive Program

The Legislature rejects the Governor’s proposal to cut $33.2 million from the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP). The funding supports “Market Match” and other successful programs that provide matching funds to CalFresh shoppers at local farmers’ markets. We urge the Governor to accept the Legislature’s proposal and fully fund CNIP as provided in the 2024-25 budget.

There are no other proposed investments in CalFresh despite the rising rates of hunger and inadequate CalFresh benefit allotments. Join us in calling on the Governor to make CalFresh easier to enroll in and ensure benefit amounts are enough to last through the month.

Early Care Nutrition

Neither plan includes funding for an equitable state meal reimbursement in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We are disappointed that once again Family Child Care providers will continue to be shortchanged by the state for serving healthy meals to kids in their care. Nourish California and the Child Care Food Roundtable will continue our efforts to enact an equitable state meal reimbursement for CACFP. We invite you to join us.

Take Action! Join the Food with Care 2024 Campaign to ensure healthy meals for our youngest learners and full reimbursement for child care providers. 

What’s Next?

The Legislature has until June 15 to pass a budget bill. The Governor then has twelve days to sign and enact the final budget. The Governor may also use his line-item veto power — or “blue pencil” — to veto specific provisions of the Budget Act.

How Can I Help?

Contact the Governor! Tell him to fund anti-hunger and anti-poverty priorities in the final budget.

  1. Go to the Governor’s website here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/
  2. Scroll down to where it says “By Email” 
  3. Where it says, “What is your request or comment about?” – select “Budget May Revision 2024-25”
  4. Select the “Leave a Comment” bubble, and then click “Next”
  5. Where it says, “If applicable, what is your stance on this topic?” – select “Con”
  6. Use the template below, copy and paste into the comment box, and then click “Next”
  7. Input your name & email address, and then click “Submit” – and you’re done!

Dear Governor Newsom, 

[A few sentences about why you or your organization care about hunger and poverty in California]

We urge you to ensure the final 2024-25 State Budget includes:

  • On-time implementation of the expansion of CFAP to older adults, regardless of immigration status
  • Full funding for the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot, to allow California to take its important first step towards raising the minimum benefit from the current and inadequate $23 per month to $50 
  • Trailer bill language to extend the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot
  • $30 million one-time funding to extend the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot
  • $33 million one-time funding for the California Nutrition Incentive Program

Take Action! Join the Campaign to Boost CalFresh Benefits by extending successful supplemental benefit programs.

The state budget reflects our collective values and priorities. Your advocacy can shape the state budget. Please contact the Governor, share with your contacts, and join our campaign actions and stay up to date by visiting our action center: act.nourishca.org. Together we can achieve Food for All.

For more information, contact Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org.

Food4All Coalition Calls on Governor, Legislature to Expand Access to Food Assistance to All Californians

Posted on by Jackie Mendelson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

CONTACT

Linda Zhang, lzhang@mrss.com, 516-395-5866

Food4All Coalition Calls on Governor, Legislature to Expand Access to Food Assistance to All Californians

Sacramento (May 28, 2024) – In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed May budget revision, the Food4All coalition and several leading lawmakers held a news conference on Tuesday calling on the governor and the Legislature to reject delays to expanding access to the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to all Californians, regardless of age or immigration status.

The governor’s proposed 2024-25 budget revision would delay until 2027 the state’s previous historic commitment to expand access to food benefits to undocumented Californians aged 55 and older. As a result, hundreds of thousands of older Californians would continue to be cut out of accessing critical food programs, solely due to their immigration status.

During the press conference, advocates unveiled data from the Public Policy Institute of California, Nourish California, and California Immigrant Policy Center that underscores the urgent need to expand access to CalFresh. The new data shows that:

  • 64% of undocumented Californians of all ages are living in or near poverty;
  • 41% of undocumented children and young adults ages 0-26 in California are living in poverty; 
  • 1 in 10 (11%) undocumented Californians are living in deep poverty; and
  • San Diego has the highest rate of poverty in the state among undocumented Californians.

Advocates urged the governor and the Legislature to not delay the state’s commitment to provide food security to immigrants 55 and older and to expand food assistance to all Californians regardless of their immigration status.

“Our elected officials have the power to enact legislation that gets at the root of rising poverty and food insecurity among immigrant communities in our state. CalFresh continues to be our state’s most powerful anti-poverty program – honoring the commitment to ensure access to this critical benefit without delay to Californians ages 55 and older, regardless of immigration status, is a moral obligation for our state’s leaders,” said Jackie Mendelson, Policy Advocate with Nourish California.

“Our most reliable indicators of economic hardship tell us that vulnerable Californians, especially immigrant families, need urgent help to be able to afford enough food to eat. We urge our elected officials to reject the proposed delays to Food4All and continue our progress towards an inclusive safety net,” said Benyamin Chao, Health and Public Benefits Policy Manager with California Immigrant Policy Center.

“We are fighting for our most vulnerable community members and their basic needs. All Californians should have access to food assistance if and when they need it. Following the Governor’s May Revise, we are disappointed to see it lacked a full investment in Food4All and delayed the implementation timeline for food assistance for Californians ages 55 and older to October 2027. The reality is that people are hungry now. Everyone deserves access to timely food assistance. That’s why I am proud to be fighting for AB 311 and its accompanying budget ask to fully fund Food4All,” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, 54th AD.

“I am proud to support full investment in Food4All, including providing for our undocumented seniors. The current budget proposal is not aligned with our California values. I will continue to fight for our most vulnerable regardless of immigration status,” said Assemblymember Liz Ortega, 20th AD.

“Poverty-related hunger is at shameful levels, with deep, unjust inequities for immigrant communities who feed the world. Unfortunately, the budget as proposed would not only delay food assistance, but also deny In Home Supportive Services health care based on immigration status. A California for all requires our budget to prioritize these programs to address racist exclusions in the federal safety net. California has the wealth, and we have the policy tools to ensure this, we need the political will to get this done,” said Andrew Cheyne, Managing Director of Public Policy, GRACE/End Child Poverty California.

“By delaying the expansion of CFAP to 2027, food insecurity continues to disproportionately hurt communities of color who face harmful policies, structural racism, and unjust exclusion from safety net programs, all of which limit access to the food we need. From an early age, I understood the frustration and worry of not being able to afford food and unfortunately, there are still thousands of families experiencing the same struggle,” said Sheylin de Leon, Youth Advocate, Oakland HOPS.

“I am proud to stand alongside Assemblymember Santiago and the strong coalition in support of AB 311 to ensure that no family or child goes hungry by expanding equitable access to the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP), regardless of immigration status. With California being the fourth-largest economy in the world, no one should be struggling to put food on the table. During the pandemic, our immigrant families were at the forefront when our state needed them most and ensuring them access to this critical program is a commitment that we are creating a future for Californians that is inclusive and equitable,” said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, 39th AD.

A livestream recording of the press conference is available here.

Food4All youth advocates lead legislators and the Food4All coalition in a chant at the state capitol

###

The Food4All coalition is a diverse, robust coalition of more than 100 anti-hunger, anti-poverty, immigrant rights, and grassroots organizations that are working together to bring an equitable food safety net that does not discriminate based on immigration status.

Founded in 1992 and operating for over a quarter century as California Food Policy Advocates, Nourish California is a nonpartisan, statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We engage in policy advocacy and research at the local, regional, and state levels in California and at the federal level. When our small team isn’t out meeting with communities, partners, and policymakers, we can be found in our offices in Oakland, Los Angeles (virtual), and San Diego (virtual).

The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is a statewide immigrant rights organization that advocates for policies that protect and advance the rights of immigrants and their families throughout California. CIPC combines legislative and policy advocacy, strategic communications, statewide organizing, and regional coalition capacity building to pursue its mission of advocating for policies that uphold the humanity of immigrants and refugees while advancing racial, social, and economic justice.

SB 1254 (Becker) Passes Senate Floor, Moves on to Assembly!

Posted on by Jared Call

SB 1254 (Becker) Passes Senate Floor, Moves on to Assembly!

Published on May 22, 2024 in Adults, CalFresh, Older Adults, State Legislation

Yesterday, SB 1254 (Becker) — The FRESH Act — passed the Senate Floor on a 33-5 vote.  The bill now moves on to the Assembly and is one step closer to ensuring people leaving jails or prisons have timely access to basic needs like food. 

Nourish California and our cosponsors, All of Us or None, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, and Justice in Aging thank Senator Becker for his strong leadership on justice-involved and anti-hunger issues. Together, we can ensure this important bill continues to move forward and reaches the Governor's desk.

Want to learn more and get involved?

Click here to sign up to receive updates from our Thriving Transitions campaign.

Thank you for your support and advocacy!

Have questions? Contact: Kameron Mims-Jones at kameron@nourishca.org or Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org.

You Might Also Find This Interesting...

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

The History of the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water EBT Program

Posted on by Michelle Lee
icon-advocacy
The History Of The

CalFresh Safe Drinking Water EBT Program

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot launched in March 2022. But its history goes back to 2016, when Nourish California (known as California Food Policy Advocates at the time) worked in collaboration with partners to create a supplemental water benefit that would support households with inadequate access to safe drinking water.

Background

More than one million Californians lack access to safe drinking water. Lack of safe drinking water disproportionately affects Latine, rural, and under-resourced communities. While this is a statewide problem, it is felt most deeply in the Central Valley, Sierra Foothills, and Central Coast. The lack of safe drinking water is a threat to food security.

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase drinking water, but the benefit formula assumes that households have safe and reliable tap water and doesn't account for the potential cost of water in the benefit amount. When households that participate in CalFresh are forced to spend their limited grocery dollars to purchase drinking water, they have less to spend on the food they need. Recognizing the need to provide short-term relief, the state launched the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water EBT Program in March 2022, which provides $50 per month to around 3,000 households in select zip codes impacted by unsafe drinking water.

While long-term solutions are necessary, California communities need access to safe drinking water right now. Low-income communities cannot afford to wait for solutions to California's water crisis. We must continue and extend successful interventions like the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water EBT Program.

2016

While permanent infrastructure solutions continue to be developed to address California’s water crisis, almost a million Californians are still left without safe drinking water throughout the state. Many people live in communities where water is contaminated with arsenic, nitrates, and other toxins, and as a result, must use bottled water for drinking and cooking. To address this issue, in 2016, Nourish California sponsored AB 2099 that would have used the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system to provide direct relief for low-income households without access to safe drinking water. Unfortunately, the bill did not reach the Governor’s desk, but the fight to ensure equitable and adequate access to water did not stop there.

2017

Continuing our efforts from previous years, Nourish California, alongside our Drinking Water coalition partners and anti-hunger advocates, launched a budget advocacy campaign to ask the state to provide emergency supplemental food benefits for CalFresh households when their water systems pose a serious risk to their health and wellbeing. We also heard from community members directly how lack of safe drinking water impacted their families, and learned from leaders who were advocating tirelessly to secure safe, clean, and affordable drinking water for their communities.

Water is a human right. Help us secure water for our community!
Water is a human right. Help us secure water for our community!

Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners and community members, we successfully secured $5 million in the 2017-18 California state budget to create a state-funded water pilot program for CalFresh households in select communities within the Central Valley. A workgroup was also created to help design and implement the pilot, which was set to launch in 2018. Nourish California, the County Welfare Directors Association, Fresno County, Kern County, the State Water Resources Control Board, Tulare County, and other impacted partners were included in the workgroup.

2017 water ebt 2

2018-2021

The pilot was originally scheduled to launch in three counties beginning October 2018, but due to the CalSAWS migration to a single system, implementation was delayed and limited to Kern County only.

2022

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot officially began in March of 2022! 

Today, the pilot continues to provide $50 per month in supplemental benefits to about 3,000 households in select Kern County zip codes. 

2023-2024

The initial pilot was set to expire in October 2023, but with swift action by the Governor and Legislature, the 2023-24 state budget included funding to extend the pilot through June 2025. This extension prevents participating households from seeing another harmful cut to their limited food and water budgets. California must continue to invest in the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water pilot and expand the pilot to include more counties and families that are struggling to afford food and don’t have access to safe drinking water.

“The [CalFresh Water Pilot] helped. It helped not only with water. I did buy three cases of water with it, but my family, we eat a lot of fruit. So, I went out and bought a lot of fruit that morning too, for breakfast. That really helped us out for a little bit."

2022 Kern County Focus Group Participant

What's Next?

This year, in 2024, we look to extend the pilot and ask the state to conduct a feasibility study to see if the pilot could be expanded to other counties within California. Without funding in this year’s state budget, the pilot will end prematurely in June 2025, and pilot participants who rely on those supplemental benefits would see a cut of $50 to their monthly CalFresh allotment. Even if funding was to be allocated in the following budget, notices of discontinuance will need to be sent to pilot participants as soon as May 2025, causing unnecessary confusion and stress. It would also put on an added administrative burden even if the program is able to restart later in 2025. It is better for communities and more cost effective for the state to allocate enough funding for benefits so that the program can continue without costly interruption.

Want to get involved? Sign our petition to ask legislators to fund the CalFresh Water Pilot in this year’s state budget! If your organization would like to sign on, use this link to upload a logo.

Questions? Contact Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org.

nourishca-donate-swatch

Ask Budget Leaders to Invest in the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot

Sign onto our letter to support the CalFresh water pilot.

Sign on here
Organizations - click here

You Might Also Find This Interesting...

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

SB 1254 (Becker) Passes Senate Appropriations, Moves on to Senate Floor

Posted on by Jared Call

SB 1254 (Becker) Passes Senate Appropriations, Moves on to Senate Floor

Published on May 17, 2024 in Adults, CalFresh, Older Adults, State Legislation

Yesterday, SB 1254 (Becker) — The FRESH Act — passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on a 5-2 vote.  The bill now moves on to the Senate Floor and is one step closer to ensuring people leaving jails or prisons have timely access to basic needs like food. Thank you for your support and advocacy that has propelled our progress so far this legislative session.

Here are a few easy ways you can help SB 1254 pass the Senate Floor

Contact your Senator and tell them to vote "Yes on SB 1254!" (find your rep here):

Sample script:

Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge Senator ______ to vote YES on SB 1254, a bill that will allow people leaving jails or prisons to pre-enroll in CalFresh. Please support SB 1254.Thank you.

  • Food insecurity is one of the most challenging hurdles that previously incarcerated individuals face upon re-entry.
  • SB 1254, The FRESH Act, removes unnecessary barriers to re-entry. In doing so, it helps reduce food insecurity in California and builds upon existing work in effectively connecting individuals with state services. 

2) Show your support on social media!

Tweet or post your support!

Sample tweets:

  • #SB1254 will ensure people leaving jails or prisons have the food they need to thrive. Plz support SB 1254  
  • #SB1254 will help more Californians afford the foods they need. Plz support SB 1254 
  • #SB1254 will help people have #ThrivingTransitions and reduce homelessness. Plz support SB 1254 

Thank you for your support and advocacy!

Have questions? Contact: Kameron Mims-Jones at kameron@nourishca.org or Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org.

You Might Also Find This Interesting...

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Governor’s May Revision Proposes Additional Cuts to Food Assistance and Safety Net

Posted on by Jared Call

*mensaje en español abajo*

Overview

On May 14, Governor Newsom released the details of the May Revision to his 2024-25 State Budget proposal, which proposed to cut or delay key investments needed to address the level of hunger, poverty, and inequity faced by Californians with low and moderate income. While we recognize state revenues are predicted to fall short this year, it is in such times of economic downturn that the state must invest in programs and services that foster equity and make California a state for ALL. 

Families are struggling to put food on the table, older adults need support to age with dignity, and kids and college students deserve to learn, grow and thrive to reach their full potential. State leaders should make bold investments in essential services and the long-term safety net.  We look forward to working with the Legislature and the Newsom Administration over the next weeks to prevent cuts to much-needed investments in food and nutrition programs that will mitigate the alarming, persistent rates of hunger and hardship across our state.

Below are a number of highlights from the Governor’s budget proposal with respect to Food and Nutrition.

Food and Nutrition 

Food4All/CFAP Expansion – Proposed Delay to 2027-28

Last year’s state budget included a planned implementation date for the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) expansion to Californians aged 55 and older, regardless of immigration status, of October 2025. The Governor’s May Revision proposes to delay implementation until 2027 — a two year delay from what was anticipated. The Governor’s budget proposal also does not include new investments to remove exclusions to CFAP for undocumented Californians ages 54 and under. This delay and lack of new investments stalls California’s progress toward an inclusive and equitable food safety net, and fails to address urgent food insecurity among immigrant communities across the state.

Nourish California, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and the Food4All Coalition will continue to work with our legislative champions, the Legislature, and the Governor’s office to get the implementation timeline back on track to ensure access to CFAP benefits for Californians of all ages, regardless of immigration status, begins as soon as possible. 

Take Action: Join the Food4All Campaign to expand CFAP to income-eligible Californians of all ages, regardless of immigration status. No exception, No exclusions, No delays.

Emergency Food

Nourish California and our partners call on the Governor and Legislature to provide adequate ongoing funding to address the ongoing elevated need across the state. For more information, see the California Association of Food Banks’ budget statement. 

School Meals and SUN Bucks 

The Governor’s proposed budget continues to invest in students’ access to breakfast and lunch — free of charge — each school day. We applaud the administration for this commitment to the health, well being, and learning of all kids in California public schools. We’ll continue to monitor investments in school nutrition as the state budget process continues. We urge the Governor and the Legislature to guarantee that funding for meal reimbursements remains secure, sustainable, and sufficient. We also call on state budget leaders to ensure schools have the necessary resources and capacity to reach all students with nutritious, appealing, culturally appropriate meals.

The proposed budget also includes full funding for administrative costs to operate Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, in 2024 and 2025. We applaud the commitment to children’s well-being reflected in this investment, ensuring the successful implementation of the SUN Bucks program in 2024 and providing essential food resources to 5.3 million eligible children during the summer months. We will continue to monitor the state budget to ensure timely implementation of SUN Bucks for 2024.

Take Action: Join the Campaign to Ensure Healthy Meals for Every Kid Every Day

CalFresh

The Governor’s January budget proposal maintained $915,000 for automation and $15M to fund the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot, which will ensure participating households receive no less than $50 per month in CalFresh benefits. The May Revision cuts this program completely.

The latest revision does not include funding to continue to operate the Safe Drinking Water Pilot nor CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot. Without additional funding, these successful pilot projects will expire prematurely. That means participants will see a cut of $50 – $60 per month in the already inadequate CalFresh benefit allotments. Join us in calling on the Legislature and Governor to provide the necessary bridge funding to ensure no pilot participants see a cut to their vital food assistance.

The Governor also maintains his proposal to cut $33.2 million from the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP). The funding supports “Market Match” and other successful programs that provide matching funds to CalFresh shoppers at local farmers’ markets. We urge the Governor to reverse this proposed cut and fully fund CNIP as provided in the 2023-24 budget.

There are no other proposed investments in CalFresh despite the rising rates of hunger and inadequate CalFresh benefit allotments. Join us in calling on the state to make CalFresh easier to enroll in and ensure benefit amounts are enough to last through the month.

Take Action: Join the Campaign to Boost CalFresh Benefits by extending successful supplemental benefit programs.

Early Care Nutrition

The Budget funding for the state meal reimbursement in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We are pleased that, given the difficult budget picture, the state reimbursement for CACFP is not proposed to be  discontinued following its long-overdue restoration in 2020.  The proposed budget fails, however, to bring equity to child care nutrition programs by eliminating the state meal reimbursement rate gap that unjustly discriminates against providers feeding younger children in family child care settings.

Take Action: Join the Food with Care 2024 Campaign to ensure healthy meals for our youngest learners and full reimbursement for child care providers. 

Immigrant Supports

Happily, the May Revision maintains funding levels to expand full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility to all income-eligible adults. We are very pleased that the Governor kept his commitment to expanding health care access to all immigrants. For more information, see the California Immigrant Policy Center’s May Revision statement.

Safety Net and Income Support 

For expert analysis of the Governor’s latest budget proposal with respect to the broader social safety net, see the statement from our friends at the California Budget & Policy Center.

What’s Next?

The Legislature has already scheduled budget hearings to discuss the Governor’s May Revision Proposals and to begin negotiating the final Budget Act of 2024. Negotiations between the Legislature and the Administration are immediately ramping up. The Legislature has until June 15 to pass a budget bill. The Governor then has twelve days to sign and enact the final budget. The Governor may also use his line-item veto power — or “blue pencil” — to veto specific provisions of the Budget Act.

How Can You Help? 

The state budget reflects our collective values and priorities. Your advocacy can shape the state budget. Join our campaign actions and stay up to date by visiting our action center: act.nourishca.org.

Thank you for your support and advocacy!

For more information, contact Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org.

La revisión de mayo del gobernador Newsom propone recortes adicionales a la asistencia alimentaria y a la red de seguridad en general

Información general

El 14 de mayo, el gobernador Newsom dio a conocer los detalles de la revisión de mayo a su propuesta de Presupuesto Estatal 2024-25, que proponía recortar o retrasar inversiones clave necesarias para abordar el nivel de hambre, pobreza e inequidad que enfrentan los californianos con ingresos bajos y moderados. Si bien reconocemos que se prevé que los ingresos del estado sean menores este año, es en estos momentos de recesión económica cuando el estado debe invertir en programas y servicios que fomenten la equidad y hagan de California un estado para TODOS. 

A las familias les está costando poner comida en la mesa, los mayores necesitan ayuda para envejecer con dignidad, y los niños y estudiantes universitarios merecen aprender, crecer y prosperar para alcanzar todo su potencial. Los dirigentes estatales deben realizar inversiones audaces en servicios esenciales y en la red de seguridad a largo plazo. Esperamos con interés trabajar con la Legislatura y la administración Newsom en las próximas semanas para evitar recortes en las inversiones tan necesarias en programas de alimentación y nutrición que mitigarán las preocupantes y persistentes tasas de hambre y necesidades que existen en todo nuestro estado.

A continuación figuran algunos puntos destacados de la propuesta presupuestaria del gobernador en materia de alimentación y nutrición.

Alimentación y nutrición 

Ampliación de Food4All/CFAP – Propuesta de aplazamiento hasta 2027-28

. El presupuesto estatal del año pasado incluía una fecha de implementación prevista para la ampliación del Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria de California (CFAP, por sus siglas en inglés) a los californianos mayores de 55 años, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, en octubre de 2025. La revisión de mayo del gobernador propone retrasar la implementación hasta 2027, dos años más de lo previsto. La propuesta de presupuesto del gobernador tampoco incluye nuevas inversiones para eliminar las exclusiones del CFAP para los californianos indocumentados de 54 años o menores. Este retraso y la falta de nuevas inversiones paralizan el progreso de California hacia una red de seguridad alimentaria inclusiva y equitativa, y no abordan la inseguridad alimentaria urgente entre las comunidades inmigrantes de todo el estado.

Nourish California, California Immigrant Policy Center (Centro de Política para los Inmigrantes de California), y la Coalición Food4All continuarán trabajando con nuestros campeones legislativos, la Legislatura, y la oficina del gobernador para conseguir que el calendario de implementación se ponga de nuevo en marcha para garantizar que el acceso a los beneficios del CFAP para los californianos de todas las edades, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, comience tan pronto como sea posible. 

Actúe: Únase a la Campaña Food4All para extender el CFAP a los californianos de todas las edades que reúnan los requisitos de ingresos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Sin excepciones, sin exclusiones, sin retrasos.

Alimentos de emergencia

Nourish California y nuestros socios hacen un llamamiento al gobernador y a la Legislatura para que proporcionen un financiamiento continuo adecuado para hacer frente a la elevada necesidad actual en todo el estado. Para obtener más información, consulte la declaración presupuestaria de la Asociación de Bancos de Alimentos de California. 

Comidas escolares y SUN Bucks 

El presupuesto propuesto por el gobernador sigue invirtiendo en el acceso de los estudiantes al desayuno y el almuerzo (gratis) cada día escolar. Aplaudimos a la administración por este compromiso con la salud, el bienestar y el aprendizaje de todos los niños de las escuelas públicas de California. Seguiremos supervisando las inversiones en nutrición escolar a medida que avance el proceso presupuestario estatal. Instamos al gobernador y a la Legislatura a que garanticen que el financiamiento de los reembolsos para las comidas siga siendo seguro, sostenible y suficiente. También pedimos a los responsables del presupuesto estatal que garanticen que las escuelas dispongan de los recursos y la capacidad necesarios para ofrecer a todos los estudiantes comidas nutritivas, apetitosas y culturalmente apropiadas.

El presupuesto propuesto también incluye el financiamiento íntegro de los costos administrativos de funcionamiento del programa EBT de verano, o SUN Bucks, en 2024 y 2025. Aplaudimos el compromiso con el bienestar de los niños reflejado en esta inversión, que garantiza la implementación exitosa del programa SUN Bucks en 2024 y proporciona recursos alimentarios esenciales a 5.3 millones de niños elegibles durante los meses de verano. Seguiremos controlando el presupuesto estatal para garantizar la implementación oportuna de SUN Bucks para 2024.

Actúe: Únase a la campaña para garantizar comidas saludables a todos los niños todos los días

CalFresh

La propuesta presupuestaria de enero del gobernador mantenía $915,000 para automatización y $15 millones para financiar el programa piloto de beneficios mínimos de nutrición CalFresh, que garantizará que los hogares participantes no reciban menos de $50 al mes en beneficios de CalFresh. La revisión de mayo recorta este programa por completo.

La última revisión no incluye financiamiento para seguir operando el programa piloto de agua potable segura ni el programa piloto de EBT de frutas y verduras de CalFresh. Sin financiamiento adicional, estos exitosos proyectos piloto expirarán prematuramente. Esto significa que los participantes sufrirán un recorte de entre $50 y $60 al mes en las ya insuficientes asignaciones de beneficios de CalFresh. Únase a nosotros para pedirle a la Legislatura y al gobernador que proporcionen el financiamiento puente necesario para garantizar que ningún participante en el programa piloto vea recortada su asistencia alimentaria vital.

El gobernador también mantiene su propuesta de recortar $33.2 millones del Programa de Incentivos Nutricionales de California (CNIP). El financiamiento apoya a “Market Match” y otros programas de éxito que proporcionan fondos de contrapartida a los compradores de CalFresh en los mercados agrícolas locales. Instamos al gobernador a que anule este recorte propuesto y financie íntegramente el CNIP tal como se prevé en el presupuesto de 2023-24.

No se proponen otras inversiones en CalFresh a pesar de las crecientes tasas de hambre y las asignaciones inadecuadas de beneficios de CalFresh. Únase a nosotros para pedirle al estado que facilite la inscripción en CalFresh y garantice que el importe de los beneficios sea suficiente para todo el mes.

Actúe: Únase a la Campaña para aumentar los beneficios de CalFresh ampliando los programas de beneficios suplementarios que han tenido éxito.

Nutrición en atención temprana

El financiamiento presupuestario para el reembolso estatal para comidas en el Programa de Alimentación para el Cuidado de Niños y Adultos (CACFP). Nos complace que, dado el difícil panorama presupuestario, no se proponga suspender el reembolso estatal del CACFP luego de su restablecimiento en 2020, que debería haberse producido hace tiempo. Sin embargo, el proyecto de presupuesto no aporta equidad a los programas de nutrición para el cuidado de niños, eliminando la brecha en la tasa de reembolso por comidas del Estado, que discrimina injustamente a los proveedores que alimentan a los niños más pequeños en guarderías familiares.

Actúe: Únase a la Campaña Food with Care 2024 para garantizar comidas sanas a nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes y el reembolso completo a los proveedores de servicios de guardería. 

Ayudas a los inmigrantes

Afortunadamente, la revisión de mayo mantiene los niveles de financiamiento para ampliar la cobertura completa de Medi-Cal a todos los adultos que cumplen los requisitos de ingresos. Estamos muy satisfechos de que el gobernador haya mantenido su compromiso de ampliar el acceso a la atención sanitaria a todos los inmigrantes. Para obtener más información, consulte lahttps://caimmigrant.org/cipc-statement-on-gov-newsoms-may-revision/ declaración sobre la revisión de mayo del Centro de Política para los Inmigrantes de California.

Red de seguridad y apoyo al ingreso 

Estén atentos a nuestro próximo análisis de la última propuesta presupuestaria del gobernador con respecto a la red de seguridad social en sentido amplio.

¿Qué sigue a continuación?

La Legislatura ya ha programado audiencias presupuestarias para debatir las propuestas de la revisión de mayo del gobernador y comenzar a negociar la Ley Presupuestaria definitiva de 2024. Las negociaciones entre la Legislatura y la administración se intensifican de inmediato. La Legislatura tiene hasta el 15 de junio para aprobar un proyecto de ley presupuestaria. El gobernador dispone de doce días para firmar y promulgar el presupuesto definitivo. El gobernador también puede hacer uso de su derecho de veto lineal (o “lápiz azul”) para vetar disposiciones concretas de la ley presupuestaria.

¿Cómo puedo ayudar? 

El presupuesto del estado refleja nuestros valores y prioridades colectivos. Su defensa puede influir en el presupuesto estatal. Únase a las acciones de nuestra campaña y manténgase al día visitando nuestro centro de acción: https://act.nourishca.org/act.nourishca.org 

Para más información, póngase en contacto con Jared Call enviando un correo electrónico a jared@nourishca.org 

Food4All Coalition Responds to Governor’s Proposed Revisions to the 2024-25 State Budget

Posted on by Jackie Mendelson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 10, 2024

CONTACT

Linda Zhang, lzhang@mrss.com, 516-395-5866

Food4All Coalition and Anti-Hunger Advocates React to Gov. Newsom’s May Revision Budget Delaying Food Benefits to Immigrant Californians Aged 55 and Over

Los Angeles – Today, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his May Revision of the 2024-25 state budget plan, which stalls California’s progress towards fair food access by delaying the state’s previous commitment to provide food access to immigrant Californians aged 55 and older.

The governor’s proposed budget revision goes back on the promise made in the 2023-24 state budget plan by delaying the expansion to 2027. As a result, hundreds of thousands of older Californians will continue to be cut out of accessing critical food programs, solely due to their immigration status.

Nearly half, or 45 percent, of undocumented Californians are food insecure. A delay in programs that address this urgent need for food, especially in a deficit year, leads to worsened and costly health outcomes.

In the coming negotiations over the state budget, the Food4All coalition will continue to work with members of the Legislature and the governor’s office to advocate for the removal of exclusions to food assistance based on people’s age or immigration status and ensure that all Californians have access to the food they need. No exceptions, no exclusions, no delays.

In response to Gov. Newsom’s revised budget plan today, the below members of the Food4All coalition issued the following statements:

Benyamin Chao, Health & Public Benefits Policy Manager at California Immigrant Policy Center:

“We are profoundly disappointed by the governor’s decision to go back on his word and delay food access to thousands of older immigrant Californians. It is unfair to propose balancing the state budget on the backs of vulnerable Californians. By neglecting the basic needs of immigrant families, we not only betray our state’s values but also jeopardize the economic resilience and social fabric of our communities.”

Jackie Mendelson, Policy Advocate at Nourish California:

“Excluding older immigrants from our food safety net for two more years is a deeply disappointing step backward for a state that boasts values of equity and inclusion. Our state leaders have failed to invest in the wellbeing of all Californians. Once again, immigrant communities are denied access to food, a basic need, and left out of a safety net program that provides a lifeline to families experiencing food insecurity and heightened economic hardship. Californians cannot afford to wait for Food4All.”

Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger):

“Ensuring food security for all Californians is not just a moral imperative, but an economic necessity. Our state budget can do much more to ensure the human right to food for the entire household. Excluding immigrant communities, especially those who grow our nation’s food, undermines our collective well-being and hinders our state’s ability to thrive.”

Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles):

“Nothing is more important than ensuring that all of our communities can afford to feed their families. Postponing Food4All is unjust – California’s immigrant communities cannot afford to wait for access to food assistance. If we want our state to be a place where everyone can thrive, we must ensure Food4All is enacted with no exceptions and no delays.”

Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director at Latino Coalition for a Healthy California:

“Food insecurity continues to be a very pervasive issue among Latines in California, especially undocumented individuals. Over 85 percent of the undocumented population in California is Latine and Indigenous Mesoamerican. Access to food is an absolute necessity to lead healthy and thriving lives, regardless of documentation status or age. We are disheartened by the May revision proposal to delay life-saving food access to undocumented adults 55+ and urge the governor to take action and not stall this expansion. Latine and Indigenous individuals, who harvest the food on our tables, must have access now.”

Melissa Arvizu, Director of Nutrition & Food Security Programs at National Health Foundation:

“Governor Newsom’s proposed delay to the expansion of food assistance to seniors over the age of 55 is disappointing. We are witnessing growing food insecurity in the communities we serve throughout Los Angeles and how vital these benefits are. Our belief that all people deserve access to food fuels our continued fight for food for all Californians regardless of age or citizenship.”

###

The Food4All coalition is a diverse, robust coalition of more than 100 anti-hunger, anti-poverty, immigrant rights, and grassroots organizations that are working together to bring an equitable food safety net that does not discriminate based on immigration status.

Founded in 1992 and operating for over a quarter century as California Food Policy Advocates, Nourish California is a nonpartisan, statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We engage in policy advocacy and research at the local, regional, and state levels in California and at the federal level. When our small team isn’t out meeting with communities, partners, and policymakers, we can be found in our offices in Oakland, Los Angeles (virtual), and San Diego (virtual).

The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is a statewide immigrant rights organization that advocates for policies that protect and advance the rights of immigrants and their families throughout California. CIPC combines legislative and policy advocacy, strategic communications, statewide organizing, and regional coalition capacity building to pursue its mission of advocating for policies that uphold the humanity of immigrants and refugees while advancing racial, social, and economic justice.

«« Previous Posts∞Older Posts »»