California is home to one of the largest economies in the world and produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. Yet millions of Californians struggle to reliably access the food they need to live healthy lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to better understand the realities of food insecurity in California, the systems that help address it, and the partnerships needed to build a hunger-free future. California Food Banks\u00ae works alongside food banks, community-based organizations, policymakers, educators, advocates, and other partners across the state to strengthen food security for all Californians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCreating a hunger-free California requires collective action. From food banks and community organizations to policymakers, educators, businesses, and advocates, every partner plays an important role in strengthening food security. Hunger Action Month is a chance to learn more about hunger in our state and the collaborative efforts needed to address it,\u201d<\/em> said Stacia Levenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of California Food Banks\u00ae<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food insecurity affects people in every region of California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While hunger is often associated with unemployment or poverty alone, the reality is more complex. Rising costs for housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare, and groceries continue to strain household budgets. For many families, even a temporary financial setback can make it difficult to consistently afford nutritious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2025, one in four California adults reported experiencing food insecurity. Behind that statistic are working families, older adults, college students, veterans, and children whose access to food may be uncertain from one month to the next. Understanding these realities is the first step toward building effective solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food security depends on more than any single organization or program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Across California, food banks work alongside schools, community-based organizations, farmers, volunteers, and public nutrition programs to help ensure people can access the food they need. Together, they create a stronger food safety net for Californians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n California Food Banks\u00ae supports a statewide network that serves communities in all 58 counties, helping food banks access resources, strengthen partnerships, and respond to emerging needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The food safety net is strongest when these systems work together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Policy decisions have a direct impact on whether families can access nutritious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs such as CalFresh, School Meals for All, and SUN Bucks help millions of Californians put food on the table each year. These programs complement the work of food banks and community organizations, helping households manage rising costs while maintaining access to healthy food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effective policy is one of the most powerful tools for reducing food insecurity because it helps address challenges at scale. Investments in nutrition programs, anti-poverty initiatives, and food access strategies strengthen California’s ability to respond to hunger both today and in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No single organization can end hunger alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a hunger-free California requires collaboration across sectors. Food banks, community organizations, policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, businesses, farmers, advocates, and local leaders all have a role to play in strengthening food security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When these partners work together, they create solutions that reach more people, respond more effectively to local needs, and build a stronger food system for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Progress is possible when people come together around a shared goal and recognize that addressing hunger requires both immediate support and long-term solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hunger affects millions of Californians, but together we can build lasting solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Hunger Action Month, connect with your local food bank and the groups working to strengthen our food safety net to build a hunger-free California.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Reality of Hunger in California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How California’s Food Safety Net Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Policy Shapes Food Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Building a Hunger-Free California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn More and Take Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n