On Friday, January 9, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom released his January proposal for the 2026-27 state budget. Unfortunately, the proposed budget does not include continued funding for the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program, which makes food more affordable for low-income Californians.
Though there were no major cuts to CalFresh, the proposed budget does not sufficiently mitigate the harm to communities that will face reduced or lost CalFresh benefits resulting from the passage of H.R. 1. Anti-hunger advocates urge the Governor to make proactive investments that ensure people have adequate access to food. The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program is a documented success in alleviating hunger, supporting health, and boosting California’s agricultural sector.
The program received $36 million in the 2025-26 state budget, which allowed it to relaunch in time for the holiday season this past November, after pausing in January 2025 when funds were depleted. Without additional funding, the program will once again be forced to pause and families across the state will lose critical food benefits. This is especially harmful as cuts resulting from the federal passage of H.R. 1 are already weakening the national food safety net. Governor Newsom has an opportunity to carve a different path forward by investing in a program that puts additional food benefits directly in the hands of those who need it.
After successfully leading the charge to secure funding to restart the CalFresh and Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program last year, Assemblymember Alex Lee and Senator Laura Richardson are once again championing a budget request for $100 million. The funds will allow this vital program to continue operating uninterrupted and expand to reach additional CalFresh families. It not only helps tens of thousands of low-income Californians afford food, but also provides an economic boost to farmers and independent grocers.
Nourish California and Fullwell, co-sponsors of the budget request to continue this program, encourage Governor Newsom to work with the Legislature to create a lasting legacy of reducing hunger and improving health in California.
Assemblymember Alex Lee:
“As families brace for devastating federal cuts, we must ensure low-income Californians have access to affordable and nutritious food. By investing $100 million in the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program, we have the opportunity to more than double the number of families served and support even more local businesses. The program is a proven solution in reducing hunger and stimulating the agricultural economy. Now is the time to step up our commitment to ensure no Californian goes hungry.”
Michelle Lee, Policy Advocate at Nourish California:
“With rising costs of living and federal cuts to critical programs like CalFresh, Governor Newsom must proactively mitigate harm by providing additional food benefits for Californians across our state. We urge Governor Newsom and the Legislature to not follow the lead of the Trump Administration, but instead stand strong and prioritize the well-being of California families. A continued investment into the state budget would ensure that families can participate in the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Program year-round, while also allowing more families to access this program.”
Lena Brook, Deputy Director at Fullwell:
“Governor Newsom’s January budget proposal rightfully includes resources to mitigate the CalFresh-related fallout from policy changes passed in H.R. 1 last summer. Those investments will keep the proverbial lights on. Yet in the long run, we know that this is not enough. Even prior to H.R. 1, CalFresh benefits were insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of too many Californians. Investing in the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program is an opportunity to turn the lights up by building a more robust nutrition safety net that makes healthy, nourishing food more affordable for Californians.”
