Additional Investments In Social Safety Net

Yesterday, the State announced another substantial investment in the social safety net committing up to $75 million for emergency food and $15 million to address unmet diaper needs. California is in the throes of the worst hunger crisis in modern history, with nearly 1 in 4 people in our state experiencing food insecurity – roughly 10 million people – with even greater rates of hunger in Black and Latinx communities.

In stark contrast, the US Senate continues its inaction to support families who have been suffering hardship while a food cliff looms with an anticipated national shortfall of 8 billion meals for those in need. Food banks and community partners continue to work on the frontlines of this crisis, responding to record demand for emergency food.

We are grateful that the State continues to make emergency food a high priority in this crisis, and that Californina’s robust food bank network continues to step up and meet the incredible need for emergency food – regardless of who you are or where you come from.

We also believe that additional food support is needed to go directly into the hands of individuals who need it, allowing individual agency in selecting grocery items and meeting cultural needs, as well as be spent in community markets to help boost local economies. As a co-sponsor of AB 826, we advocated for grocery cards to go directly to immigrants and other community members doing essential work yet excluded from most food aid by federal rules.

We will continue to press for a comprehensive approach to supporting food banks and direct assistance to low-income Californians most impacted by COVID-19.