Topic Category: CalFresh

Public Health, Medical and Food Insecurity Experts Urge Immediate Action to Rescue Millions from the “Hunger Cliff”

Posted on by Jared Call

Public Health, Medical and Food Insecurity Experts Urge Immediate Action to Rescue Millions from the “Hunger Cliff”

Published on Jun 26, 2023 in Adults, CalFresh, Child Nutrition, Older Adults, State Legislation

Guest Commentary:

Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Michael Flood, Omer Deen, MD

As experts working on public health and fighting food insecurity, it’s critical to highlight the link between hunger and its associated negative health outcomes and the looming "hunger cliff." Millions of Americans, especially those from low-income and immigrant communities, are at risk of food insecurity. In addition to the end of pandemic-era emergency allotments for CalFresh (known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP), recent changes to Medi-Cal re-enrollment and the end of local protections – such as the eviction moratorium in LA County – will leave low-income residents in the difficult position of making tough decisions between food, health care, and rent.

People who experience food insecurity are at higher risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Children who grow up in food-insecure households are at risk of developmental delays, impaired academic performance, and other chronic conditions such as childhood obesity. Annually, food insecurity costs Los Angeles County alone an estimated $2.3 billion in healthcare costs.

As access to nutritious food decreases and healthy food becomes more expensive, people are more likely to cut corners by purchasing calorie-dense, low-nutrient value foods. The pandemic and the ensuing inflationary cycle have only worsened this problem, with more people experiencing financial hardship. As prices have risen, many COVID-19 emergency provisions have expired, reducing the amount of CalFresh benefits accessible to those who need it most.

But there is hope. Our state has taken important steps toward ensuring food security for all Californians. Bills such as SB 600 and SB 245/AB 311 have the potential to provide much-needed support for those who are facing food insecurity.

  • SB 600, the CalFresh Minimum Benefit Adequacy Act of 2023, authored by Senator Caroline Menjivar, aims to provide eligible households with a minimum monthly CalFresh benefit of $50, which will help  ensure that all households have access to a basic level of nutrition support.
  • SB 245/AB 311, the “Food4All” bills, led by Senator Melissa Hurtado and Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, seek to expand eligibility in the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to provide state-funded nutrition benefits to Californians of all ages who are currently excluded due to their immigration status.
  • A state budget proposal, the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot expansion, led by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, would expand a successful pilot program that provides a $60 incentive for fresh fruits and vegetables purchased using CalFresh at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • Lastly, programs already proven effective like CalFresh, which provides food assistance to millions of low-income families, should be adequately funded and accessible to all who need them. A recent report from Nourish California and the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) highlights the need for increased investment in CalFresh and the expansion of the program's outreach efforts to reach more people in need.

The proposed legislative actions and investment in programs like CalFresh are essential steps in addressing this looming crisis. The Governor and Legislature must work together to make the investments needed to sustain these programs.

As a society, we have a responsibility to prioritize the health and well-being of all members, especially the most vulnerable. We can’t afford to ignore the "hunger cliff," and we need to take immediate action to ensure all Californians have access to the basic human right of nutritious food for themselves and their families.

We urge you to reach out to your elected officials to ask them to support these important bills.  You can find your California representative here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.  It is our job to come together to support our communities.

Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, is Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Michael Flood is President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Omer Deen, MD, is President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association and is on the Board of Directors for the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists.

Have questions? Contact Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org.

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Take Action! Tell Governor Newsom to Raise the CalFresh Minimum Benefit

Posted on by Jared Call

Take Action! Tell Governor Newsom to Raise the CalFresh Minimum Benefit

Published on Jun 15, 2023 in Adults, CalFresh, Child Nutrition, Older Adults, State Legislation

We are excited to share that the CalFresh Minimum Benefit Increase budget request was included in the joint Legislative budget bills (AB 101 & SB 101) at $30 million to implement a pilot program. Nourish California, California Association of Food Banks, Hunger Action Los Angeles, and GRACE/End Child Poverty California would like to thank Legislative leaders, especially Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, Senate Budget Committee Chair Nancy Skinner, Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting for supporting this urgent proposal.  

We also thank supporters of the budget request for making your voices heard. Your advocacy means we are one step closer to ensuring the state increases CalFresh benefits to help mitigate the harm caused by the CalFresh benefits cliff. Together, we've moved one step closer to ensuring no one who participates in CalFresh receives less than $50 per month in food assistance. Thank you.

We would also applaud Senator Menjivar for her strong leadership on the CalFresh Minimum Benefit Increase, and for her unwavering commitment to improving food access for Californians with low income.

What's next?

Now is the time to take action. Governor Newsom needs to hear from you! 

We need your help to ensure  the final budget approved by the Governor includes funding for the CalFresh Minimum Benefit Increase. Negotiations are happening now — don’t wait, make your voice heard and support increasing CalFresh benefits today.

1) Call and/or Email Governor Newsom

Call and leave a message using the handy script below. Or email the Governor through his office’s online comment portal:

  • Select “Budget May Revision 2023-24” in the dropdown menu.
  • Then “Leave a Comment” then click the “Next” button.
  • Click “Pro” for position, then leave your full message, using the template at the below for the body of your message.
  • Both individuals and organizations are welcome to comment, so please do share this call to action with interested partners, colleagues, friends, and family!

Sample script: 

Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge Governor Newsom to support the CalFresh Minimum Benefit Increase, which will raise the CalFresh minimum benefit from $23 per month to $50 per month. Please include the CalFresh increase in the final budget. Thank you.

  • Many Californians need more help putting food on the table, We need to raise the CalFresh minimum benefit from $23 per month to $50 per month.
  • Pandemic-era CalFresh benefit boosts expired abruptly in March. Raising the minimum benefit is one way to help mitigate the harm of those drastic cuts.
  • Many older adults and people with disabilities only receive $23 a month in food assistance. The state should raise that to $50.

2) Show your support on social media!

Tweet or post your support and tag Governor Newsom (@CAGovernor).

Sample tweets:

Raising the CalFresh minimum benefit  will ensure no one receives les than $50 CalFresh per month. Plz include in the final #CABudget @CAGovernor

We need to help more Californians afford the foods they need. Plz support raising the CalFresh minimum benefit to $50/mo in the final #CABudget @CAGovernor

DYK many CalFresh recipients only receive $23 per month? That's not enough to afford even the basics. Let’s raise the minimum benefit to $50/month. Plz include in the final  #CABudget @CAGovernor

Thank you for your leadership working to raise the CalFresh minimum benefit @SenatorMenjivar! @CAGovernor, please ensure this urgent proposal is included in the final #CABudget. Californians need help putting food on the table.

Background

More than an estimated five million Californians experienced a devastating cut to their CalFresh benefits when federally funded emergency (pandemic) allotments ended in March. The average CalFresh household lost $163 per month. More than one in 10 households saw their benefits slashed from $281 to $23 per month. Increasing the minimum CalFresh benefit is one way to help mitigate this loss. California can — and should — join the several other states that have already taken this action to help prevent poverty and food insecurity.

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

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Take Action! Tell Governor Newsom to Fund the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension

Posted on by Jared Call

Take Action! Tell Governor Newsom to Fund the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension

Published on Jun 12, 2023 in CalFresh, State Legislation

We are excited to share that the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension budget request was included in the joint Legislative budget bills (AB 101 & SB 101) at $3 million one-time funding. Nourish California would like to thank Legislative leaders, Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, Senate Budget Committee Chair Nancy Skinner, Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting for supporting this urgent proposal.  

If funded in the final budget, the Safe Drinking Water Pilot extension will help address the hunger cliff by boosting CalFresh benefits for thousands of households that lack access to safe drinking water. We also want to thank supporters of the budget request for making your voices heard. Your advocacy means we are one step closer to ensuring the state increases investments to boost CalFresh benefits to help alleviate the extra burden faced by CalFresh households who have unsafe tap water. Thank you.

We would also like to thank Assemblymember Arambula and Senator Hurtado for their leadership on the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension, and for their ongoing commitment to improving food access for Californians with low income. We also extend our gratitude to Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 Chair, Caroline Menjivar for prioritizing the pilot extension in the Subcommittee’s 2023-24 budget package. 

What’s next?

Now is the time to take action. Governor Newsom needs to hear from you! 

We need your help to ensure the final budget approved by the Governor includes funding for the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension. Negotiations are happening now — don’t wait, make your voice heard today in support of increasing CalFresh benefits today.

1) Call and/or Email Governor Newsom

Call and leave a message using the handy script below. Or email the Governor through his office’s online comment portal:

  • Link to the online portal: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ 
  • Select “Budget May Revision 2023-24” in the dropdown menu. 
  • Then “Leave a Comment” then click the “Next” button.
  • Click “Pro” for position, then leave your full message, using the template at the bottom of this email for the body of your message.
  • Both individuals and organizations are welcome to comment, so please do share this call to action with interested partners, colleagues, friends, and family!

Sample script: 

Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge Governor Newsom to support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension passed by the Legislature in the final state budget package. This urgent and impactful investment will extend the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot to continue to provide vital food assistance to CalFresh households harmed by the lack of safe drinking water. Please include funding for the pilot extension in the final state budget. Thank you. [Or choose one or more of the following reasons or tell them your own]

No one should go hungry in the great state of California. Food and water are the most essential parts of a full and healthy life. The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will help California families who face the extra challenge of unsafe drinking water. Without action, families will be cut off in October. Please support funding for the extension.

CalFresh benefits were recently cut. Funding the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will help families afford the foods they need. Please support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension in the state budget.

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will help reduce the harm households are facing due to the CalFresh benefits cut. Please support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension in the state budget.

2) Show your support on social media!

Tweet or post your support and tag Governor Newsom (@CAGovernor).

Sample tweets:

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot extension will help families better afford the food and safe drinking water they need. It will boost CalFresh benefits immediately without any extra forms or hassle for participants. Thank you for including it in the #CALeg #CalBudget @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing. @CAGovernor Plz support!

Support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension to address the hunger cliff and help CA families who face the extra challenge of unsafe drinking water. Without action, families will be cut off in October. Thank you for including it in the #CALeg #CalBudget @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing. Plz support! @CAGovernor! 

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will bolster impacted households' food and water budgets immediately and ongoing. The state must use every option to reduce the harm of the CalFresh cuts. TY @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing! Plz support in final #CABudget @CAGovernor!

3) Add your organization to our budget sign-on letter.

Click here to read our coalition budget sign-on letter. To add your organization in support of funding the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension, please email your organization's logo to jared@nourishca.org. Thank you!

Background

More than one million Californians lack access to safe drinking water. Latinx, rural, and under-resourced communities are disproportionately affected. The lack of safe drinking water is a threat to food security.

When households that participate in CalFresh are forced to spend limited grocery dollars to purchase bottled water, they have less to spend on the food they need. Recognizing this dire situation, the state launched the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot in March 2022, providing $50 per month to more than 4,000 households in select zip codes that lack access to safe drinking water.

While long-term solutions are necessary, California communities need access to safe drinking water right now. A one-time allocation in the state budget will keep the existing pilot from sunsetting too soon and will reach additional participants.

Show your support by taking one or more of the actions outlined above TODAY. Thank you for your support and advocacy!

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

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Take Action! Tell Governor Newsom to Fund the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension

Posted on by Jared Call

Take Action! Tell Governor Newsom to Fund the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension

Published on Jun 12, 2023 in CalFresh, State Legislation

We are excited to share that the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension budget request was included in the joint Legislative budget bills (AB 101 & SB 101) at $9.9 million one-time funding. Nourish California and SPUR would like to thank Legislative leaders, especially Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, Senate Budget Committee Chair Nancy Skinner, Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting for supporting this urgent proposal.  

We also thank supporters of the budget request for making your voices heard. Your advocacy means we are one step closer to ensuring the state increases investments to boost CalFresh benefits to help mitigate the harm caused by the CalFresh benefits cliff. Together, we've also moved the program one step closer to becoming a permanent supplement to CalFresh. Thank you.

We would also like to thank Assemblymember Arambula and Senator Wiener for their leadership on the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension, and for their ongoing commitment to improving food access for Californians with low income.

What’s next?

Now is the time to take action. Governor Newsom needs to hear from you! 

We need your help to ensure  the final budget approved by the Governor includes funding for the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension. Negotiations are happening now — don’t wait, make your voice heard and support increasing CalFresh benefits today.

1) Call and/or Email Governor Newsom

Call and leave a message using the handy script below. Or email the Governor through his office’s online comment portal:

  • Link to the online portal: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ 
  • Select “Budget May Revision 2023-24” in the dropdown menu. 
  • Then “Leave a Comment” then click the “Next” button.
  • Click “Pro” for position, then leave your full message, using the template at the below for the body of your message.
  • Both individuals and organizations are welcome to comment, so please do share this call to action with interested partners, colleagues, friends, and family!

Sample script: 

Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling/emailing to urge Governor Newsom to support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension in the final state budget package. This urgent and impactful investment will boost CalFresh benefits to help people afford the foods they need and want to stay healthy. It will also support California farmers and grocery retailers. Please include funding in the final state budget. Thank you. [Or choose one or more of the following reasons or tell them your own]

  • CalFresh benefits were recently cut. Funding the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension will help families afford the foods they need. Please support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension in the state budget.
  • The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension will help reduce the harm households are facing due to the CalFresh benefits cut.
  • No one should go hungry in the great state of California. Food is an essential part of a full and healthy life. The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension is a “win-win-win” that reduces hunger, improves public health, and boosts California’s economy.

2) Show your support on social media!

Tweet or post your support and tag Governor Newsom(@CAGovernor).

Sample tweets:

Thank you for funding the CalFresh Fruit & Veggie Pilot extension in the #CALeg #CABudget @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing. will boost CalFresh benefits immediately without any extra forms or hassle for participants. Please support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension! Please ensure funding is included in the final budget @CAGovernor!  

Support the CalFresh Fruit & Veggie Pilot Extension to address the hunger cliff, improve health, and support California's economy. Plz include in the final #CABudget @CAGovernor! 

The CalFresh Fruit & Veggie Pilot Extension will bolster households' food budgets immediately and ongoing. Thank you @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing for including funding in the #CALeg #CABudget! The state must use every option to reduce the harm of the CalFresh cuts. Plz include funding in the final budget @CAGovernor!

3) Add your organization to our budget sign-on letter.

Click here to read our coalition budget sign-on letter. To add your organization in support of funding the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension, please email your organization's logo to jared@nourishca.org. Thank you!

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 Pilot in 2018. Since the pilot was funded, the number of Californians relying on CalFresh has risen by over one million individuals. California can respond to the need for more nutrition assistance by building on the recently launched pilot.

We applaud Assemblymember Arambula and Senator Wiener for their leadership to boost CalFresh and move a major step closer to a statewide supplement benefits program. We need your help to show broad support to the Governor. You can support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension by joining our campaign and taking one or more of the actions above today!

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

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Support Immigrant Families: Sign On to Three Important Letters

Posted on by Betzabel Estudillo

We need your help to support immigrant families in accessing public benefits. By signing on to these critical letters led by the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Coalition, we can come together to support, defend, and protect immigrant families. Join our efforts in making a difference. 

Public Charge Congressional Review Act Resolution – The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a resolution initiated by Republicans that aims to reverse the Biden public charge regulation. The U.S. Senate narrowly passed the resolution in May.

Due: June 12th COB. 

The Lifting Immigrant Families Through Benefits Access Restoration (LIFT the BAR Act) will be reintroduced in Congress on June 15, 2023. The legislation would repeal the “5 Year Bar” and lower other barriers to health care, food security, and antipoverty programs for millions of immigrant families. 

Due: TBA. Sign-on ASAP. 

DACA Health Care Access Proposal – In late April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a regulatory change that would make people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligible for health care through the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The signed comment will be submitted to HHS and will be shared with congressional offices, journalists, and on social media. 

Due: June 20th COB. 

Questions? Contact Lena O’Rourke (lena@pifcoalition.org) or Cheasty Anderson (cheasty@pifcoalition.org)

⭐ New ⭐ Food4All Docuseries & Petition to the Governor

Posted on by Betzabel Estudillo

Necesitamos su ayuda para garantizar que la propuesta Comida Para Todos “Food4All” se incluya en el presupuesto estatal 2023-2024.

Las negociaciones del presupuesto estatal están en marcha. La revisión de mayo del Gobernador adelantó la fecha de inicio de la expansión de CalFresh para los californianos indocumentados mayores de 55 años a octubre de 2025. Estamos satisfechos con este desarrollo pero el plan de presupuesto estatal revisado por el Gobernador aún no brinda beneficios alimentarios completos a los 46 por ciento de personas indocumentadas menores de 55 años que luchan por acceder a alimentos.

Aquí hay dos formas en que puede ayudar a amplificar Food4All para TODAS las edades:

🌟 Ver y compartir las docuseries de Food4All🌟

Vea nuestra *nueva* serie documental de Food4All que destaca las historias de dos californianos afectados por la inseguridad alimentaria y cómo la aprobación de Food4All les dará acceso a la asistencia alimentaria que necesitan.

¡Use nuestro kit de herramientas de redes sociales para correr la voz! Haga clic aquí para ver algunos mensajes  y videos teaser para compartir las docuseries de Food4All y nuestra petición.

🌟 Pida al gobernador Newsom que financie completamente Food4All 🌟

¡Tome acción! Firme nuestra petición Food4All que pide al gobernador Newsom que financie completamente Food4All en el presupuesto estatal 2023-24.

¿Preguntas? Betzabel Estudillo: betzabel@nourishca.org

We need your help to ensure the Food4All proposal is included in the 2023-2024 State Budget.

Final state budget negotiations are underway. The Governor’s May revision moved up the start date of the CalFresh/CFAP expansion for undocumented Californians ages 55 and older to October 2025. While we are pleased about this development, the Governor’s revised state budget plan still fails to fully provide food benefits to the 46 percent of undocumented people under the age of 55 who are struggling with accessing food.

Here are two ways you can help to amplify Food4All for ALL ages:

🌟 View and Share the Food4All Docuseries🌟

Check out our *New* Food4All two-part docuseries that highlights the stories of two Californians affected by food insecurity and how the passing of Food4All will give them access to the critical food assistance they need.

Use our social media toolkit to spread the word! Click here for some sample tweets and teaser videos to share the Food4All docuseries and our petition.

 🌟 Ask Governor Newsom to Fully Fund Food4All 🌟

Take Action! Sign our Food4All petition that calls on Governor Newsom to fully fund Food4All in the 2023-24 State Budget.

Questions? Contact Betzabel Estudillo at betzabel@nourishca.org

Nourish California Opposes Food Assistance Cuts in Debt Ceiling Agreement

Posted on by Angeles Nelson

The recently announced debt-ceiling agreement worsens the already punitive and counterproductive three-month time limit for SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. As currently structured, the deal will reduce access to CalFresh for over 100,000 Californians struggling to find work and put food on the table.

Anti-hunger advocates have long urged Congress to repeal the ineffective “work-reporting requirement” in SNAP, as extensive research has shown that this policy does not improve employment outcomes. Instead, the work-reporting requirement only serves to cut people off vital aid, increasing hunger, poverty, and risk for homelessness. Hunger does not help people in their search for work, it only adds an additional serious challenge.

Nourish California and our anti-hunger colleagues are deeply disappointed that the Biden Administration and Congress leaders included cuts to SNAP/CalFresh as part of the debt ceiling negotiations. This manufactured crisis should not be solved at the expense of people who need help to get back on their feet. 

Doubling down on this cruel policy also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about people with low income rooted in historical and systemic racism. California’s leaders and representatives should protect critical nutrition programs and speak out immediately and forcefully in opposition to this deal that does not represent our state’s values of inclusion and empathy for all. We strongly urge the California delegation to stand up against the harm these cuts will have on people with low incomes that rely on these programs to survive.  

We applaud our national partners for shedding light on the harmful impact the SNAP provisions in the debt ceiling agreement will have on people with low income. Read the statements here:

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Statement

Food Research and Action Center Statement

Background

The three-month CalFresh time limit for unemployed, childless adults, also known as “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs), is a federal law that was waived for many years due to high unemployment. Individuals considered to have ABAWD status may only receive CalFresh benefits for a total of three full months within a 36-month period unless the person meets an exemption or complies with certain harsh “work requirements.” The rule has not been shown to improve employment outcomes, only to cut people off from vital food assistance while they are struggling to find steady employment. 

Questions? Contact Angeles Nelson at angeles@nourishca.org or Jared Call at jared@nourishca.org. 

 

Food4All Coalition May Revision Press Statement

Posted on by Betzabel Estudillo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 2023

CONTACT

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

Ian Moor, ian@nhc-dc.com, 323-303-4372

 

Governor Newsom Commits to Food Assistance for Older Undocumented Californians in 2025, But Still Excludes Hundreds of Thousands of Immigrants Under 55 Who Face Rising Food Insecurity 

Los Angeles – Immigrant rights and anti-hunger advocates are pleased that, following months of hard advocacy work, Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised 2023-24 state budget plan proposes to move up the implementation date of the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) expansion to Californians immigrants age 55 and older, regardless of immigration status, from January 2027 to October 2025.

However, the governor’s revised state budget plan still fails to fully provide critical food benefits to the 46 percent of undocumented people under the age of 55 who are struggling with accessing the food they need today. While we appreciate this first step towards Food4All for those over 55, California immigrants of all ages are experiencing urgent need right now and can’t afford to wait to receive this assistance.

Food assistance programs such as CalFresh and CFAP have been proven to reduce hunger, improve health, and mitigate poverty in the long term. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, these programs exclude between 580,000 to 670,000 Californians ages under 55 just because of their immigration status. By eliminating the exclusion of income-eligible undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and certain visa holders from CFAP, we can ensure a more equitable state food safety net and build upon California’s growing movement towards immigrant inclusion.

Food4All is an urgent issue that affects the well-being of all communities across California. The Food4All coalition remains committed to working with their Legislative champions, the Legislature, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Administration to ensure an equitable food safety net that does not discriminate on the basis of immigration status. We also call on the Governor and Assembly to follow the lead of Senate Budget leaders and include funding for full CFAP expansion in the final budget package. Until all California residents can access food assistance, if and when they need it, our institutions will not fully reflect the state’s values of equity and inclusion. 

Betzabel Estudillo, Director of Engagement at Nourish California:

“No one should experience hunger because of their immigration status, yet hundreds of thousands of Californians struggling to put food on the table remain unjustly excluded from food assistance programs. We must stop turning people away who critically need food assistance simply because of their immigration status. When every Californian has access to the food they need, our communities and economies thrive.”

Benyamin Chao, California Immigrant Policy Center: 

“With rising food costs, communities across California are struggling more and more to make ends meet. The updated timeline to extend CFAP to undocumented older adults announced today by the governor is welcome progress. Still, our leaders need to act more urgently to address the stark levels of food insecurity impacting vulnerable Californians. We know that most Californians support extending access to everyone, no matter their status or country of origin. We urge the governor to meet the exceptional needs of the moment and immediately end the discriminatory exclusion of Californians from our food safety net, regardless of immigration status or age.”

Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger):

“I look forward to working with the Governor and the Assembly to ensure the final draft of this year’s budget includes funding to address food insecurity, which is having a disproportionate impact on the many farmworkers and their families who grow our nation’s food. No Californian should go hungry or carry the burden of worrying about their next meal, and it’s why I will continue to champion Food4All until everyone across our state, regardless of age or immigration status, can access the nutritious food they need.”

Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles):

“Our immigrant communities will pay the price if we fail to invest in an equitable food safety net,” said Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles). “California immigrant families are facing impossible choices between paying for food and paying for rent and bills. By investing in Food4All immediately, we can ensure that every Californian has the food they urgently need.”

Maribel Cruz, Associate Director, Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation, and Empowerment (ORALE):

“Food4All ensures that our food safety net is equitable and accessible to all who call California home. We have seen first hand the impact that the pandemic and now high cost of food has had on our undocumented community. California can demonstrate leadership in how we care for the well being of all our residents regardless of age or immigration status.”

Gabriella Barbosa, Managing Director of Policy, The Children’s Partnership:

We thank Governor Newsom for speeding up the implementation of the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) expansion to people 55+ regardless of immigration status. The health of millions of children is directly impacted by the well-being of the adults they rely on. Over 1 million of our state’s children have an undocumented parent. Increasing access to food programs that support adults will also have a positive impact on our state’s children. We urge the Governor to expand CFAP access to include all income-eligible children and adults, regardless of immigration status. Nearly 70% of undocumented children are facing food insecurity. Access to affordable and nutritious food is imperative to a child’s wellbeing, shaping a child’s success in their health and their education.”

 

###

 

The Food4All coalition is a diverse, robust coalition of more than 50 anti-hunger, anti-poverty, immigrant rights and grassroot organizations that are working together to bring an equitable nutrition 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 and San Diego.

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.

 

Take Action! Tell State Budget Leaders to Fund the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension

Posted on by Jared Call

Take Action! Tell State Budget Leaders to Fund the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension

Published on May 26, 2023 in CalFresh, State Legislation

We are pleased to share that the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension budget request was included in the Senate budget package at $3 million one-time funding. Nourish California would like to thank supporters of the budget request for making your voices heard. Your advocacy means we are one step closer to ensuring the state increases investments to boost CalFresh benefits to help alleviate the extra burden faced by CalFresh households who have unsafe tap water. Thank you.

We would also like to thank Assemblymember Arambula and Senator Hurtado for their leadership on the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension, and for their ongoing commitment to improving food access for Californians with low income. We also extend our gratitude to Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 Chair, Caroline Menjivar for prioritizing the pilot extension in the Subcommittee’s 2023-24 budget package.

What’s next?

Now is the time to take action! Assembly and Senate budget leaders are meeting now to finalize the Legislature’s budget package for negotiations with the Governor.

We need your help to ensure the Senate and Assembly are aligned in support, and the Governor also supports funding for the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension. Don’t wait, make your voice heard today in support of increasing CalFresh benefits now.

1) Call and/or Email these key State Budget leaders:

Sample script: 

Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge the Governor/Assemblymember/Senator ______ to support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension passed by the Senate in the final state budget package. This urgent and impactful investment will extend the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot to continue to provide vital food assistance to CalFresh households harmed by the lack of safe drinking water. Please include funding for the pilot extension in the final state budget. Thank you. [Or choose one or more of the following reasons or tell them your own]

No one should go hungry in the great state of California. Food and water are the most essential parts of a full and healthy life. The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will help California families who face the extra challenge of unsafe drinking water. Without action, families will be cut off in October. Please support funding for the extension.

CalFresh benefits were recently cut. Funding the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will help families afford the foods they need. Please support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension in the state budget.

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will help reduce the harm households are facing due to the CalFresh benefits cut. Please support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension in the state budget.

2) Show your support on social media!

Tweet or post your support and tag key budget leaders.

Sample tweets:

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot extension will help families better afford the food and safe drinking water they need. It will boost CalFresh benefits immediately without any extra forms or hassle for participants. @CAGovernor @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing

Support the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension to address the hunger cliff and help CA families who face the extra challenge of unsafe drinking water. Without action, families will be cut off in October. Plz support! @CAGovernor @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing

The CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension will bolster impacted households' food and water budgets immediately and ongoing. The state must use every option to reduce the harm of the CalFresh cuts. Plz support! @CAGovernor @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing

3) Add your organization to our budget sign-on letter.

Click here to read our coalition budget sign-on letter. To add your organization in support of funding the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot Extension, please email your organization's logo to jared@nourishca.org. Thank you!

Background

More than one million Californians lack access to safe drinking water. Latinx, rural, and under-resourced communities are disproportionately affected. The lack of safe drinking water is a threat to food security.

When households that participate in CalFresh are forced to spend limited grocery dollars to purchase bottled water, they have less to spend on the food they need. Recognizing this dire situation, the state launched the CalFresh Safe Drinking Water Pilot in March 2022, providing $50 per month to more than 4,000 households in select zip codes that lack access to safe drinking water.

While long-term solutions are necessary, California communities need access to safe drinking water right now. A one-time allocation in the state budget will keep the existing pilot from sunsetting too soon and will reach additional participants.

Show your support by taking one or more of the actions outlined above TODAY. Thank you for your support and advocacy!

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

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Take Action! Tell State Budget Leaders to Fund the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension

Posted on by Jared Call

Take Action! Tell State Budget Leaders to Fund the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension

Published on May 25, 2023 in CalFresh, State Legislation

We are pleased to share that the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension budget request was included in the Assembly budget package at $10 million one-time funding. Nourish California and SPUR, the bill’s cosponsors, would like to thank supporters of the budget request for making your voices heard. Your advocacy means we are one step closer to ensuring the state increases investments to boost CalFresh benefits to help mitigate the harm caused by the CalFresh benefits cliff. Together, we've also moved the program one step closer to becoming a permanent supplement to CalFresh. Thank you.

We would also like to thank Assemblymember Arambula and Senator Wiener for their leadership on the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension, and for their ongoing commitment to improving food access for Californians with low income.

What’s next?

Now is the time to take action! Assembly and Senate budget leaders are meeting now to finalize the Legislature’s budget package for negotiations with the Governor.

We need your help to ensure the Senate and Assembly are aligned in support, and the Governor also supports funding for the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension. Don’t wait, make your voice heard today in support of increasing CalFresh benefits now.

1) Call and/or Email these key State Budget leaders:

Sample script: 

Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling to urge the Governor/Assemblymember/Senator ______ to support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension passed by the Assembly in the final state budget package. This urgent and impactful investment will boost CalFresh benefits to help people afford the foods they need and want to stay healthy. It will also support California farmers and grocery retailers. Please include funding in the final state budget. Thank you. [Or choose one or more of the following reasons or tell them your own]

  • CalFresh benefits were recently cut. Funding the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension will help families afford the foods they need. Please support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension in the state budget.
  • The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension will help reduce the harm households are facing due to the CalFresh benefits cut.
  • No one should go hungry in the great state of California. Food is an essential part of a full and healthy life. The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension is a “win-win-win” that reduces hunger, improves public health, and boosts California’s economy.

2) Show your support on social media!

Tweet or post your support and tag key budget leaders.

Sample tweets:

 The CalFresh Fruit & Veggie Pilot extension will boost CalFresh benefits immediately without any extra forms or hassle for participants. Please support the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension! @CAGovernor @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing

Support the CalFresh Fruit & Veggie Pilot Extension to address the hunger cliff, improve health, and support California's economy @CAGovernor @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing

The CalFresh Fruit & Veggie Pilot Extension will bolster households' food budgets immediately and ongoing. The state must use every option to reduce the harm of the CalFresh cuts. Plz support! @CAGovernor @SenToniAtkins @NancySkinnerCA @Rendon63rd @PhilTing

3) Add your organization to our budget sign-on letter.

Click here to read our coalition budget sign-on letter. To add your organization in support of funding the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable Pilot Extension, please email your organization's logo to jared@nourishca.org. Thank you!

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 Pilot in 2018. Since the pilot was funded, the number of Californians relying on CalFresh has risen by over one million individuals. California can respond to the need for more nutrition assistance by building on the recently launched pilot.

We applaud Assemblymember Arambula's and Senator Wiener's leadership to boost CalFresh and move a major step closer to a statewide supplement benefits program. We need your help to show broad support to the Legislature and Governor. You can support the campaign by taking one or more of the actions above today! Thank you!

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

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