State Senator John Laird and State Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen Recognized for Advocacy Efforts as CalFood Champions

California Association of Food Banks Honored the Anti-Hunger Advocates at Capitol Action Day in Sacramento, Calif.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – MAY 20, 2025 – Today, the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) honored two anti-hunger leaders in California at the annual Capitol Action Day event. The honorees include State Senator John Laird and State Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen as champions of CalFood program advocacy. CalFood is a California State program that provides funds to food banks to purchase California-grown and produced foods, supporting local farms and food businesses.

During the event, CAFB brought together food bank leaders, anti-hunger advocates and legislative champions to advocate for the CalFood program to be sustained at $60M in the 2025-26 budget and set it as the new annual baseline, up from the current $8M. Advocates gathered on the Capitol lawn to pack food boxes for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to help local community members experiencing food insecurity, and to demonstrate the impact of the CalFood program statewide.

Stacia Hill Levenfeld, CEO of CAFB expressed gratitude toward the remarkable efforts of both CalFood program champions, “The advocacy work of this year’s two honorees is commendable and has effected strong change across California’s communities, businesses, agriculture entities and most importantly, those experiencing food insecurity. We thank them for their alliance and dedication to supporting our organization and its programs.”

“Food banks play a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families across California have reliable access to nutritious and often locally sourced food. At a time when so many are facing economic hardship, these organizations serve as a critical lifeline in our communities. I’m honored to be recognized by the California Association of Food Banks and remain committed to protecting and strengthening funding for the essential services that help countless Californians put food on the table.”

ㅡ Senator John Laird, District 17

“I am deeply grateful to receive this award from the California Association of Food Banks. This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that collective action can turn hunger into hope, creating a lasting impact in our communities.”

ㅡ Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, District 10

About the California Association of Food Banks

Since the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) formed in 1995, it has grown into a powerful network leading the fight against hunger in California with a shared belief that access to food is a fundamental right. California produces more than enough nutritious food to feed everyone in the state. CAFB partners with more than 40 food banks who support 6,000+ community-based organizations, as well as 200+ agricultural partners with a common mission: to end hunger. Through collaborative partnerships. CAFB is a collective force making equitable access to food the standard, not the exception. For more information about CAFB, please visit cafoodbanks.org.

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