All Are Welcome at the Table: Celebrating Pride with Purpose

There is nothing more powerful than being seen and fully nourished. 

Every June, CAFB joins communities across California in celebrating the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Both in its rich history and in the present, LGBTQ+ individuals have fought for equality and respect. But for many, LGBTQ+ Pride Month is a stark reminder that there are still systemic barriers to accessing the nutritious, nourishing food they need in order to thrive. This month, we reflect on how we can build systems that truly support all Californians, especially those who continue to face disproportionate barriers to basic needs like housing, healthcare, and of course, food. 

The data here is clear and urgent: nationwide, 22 percent of LGBTQ+ adults live in poverty. Queer and transgender communities, particularly Black, Latine, and Native and Indigenous individuals, experience food insecurity at drastically high rates. In 2025, 40 percent of young LGBTQ+ people reported a history of food insecurity, homelessness, or difficulty accessing basic needs, with transgender and nonbinary people being 70 percent more likely to experience all three. 

These numbers are the result of compounding barriers like workplace discrimination, housing instability, healthcare exclusion, and marginalizing policies. Californians across the state are grappling with a growing need for food assistance. Programs like CalFood are critical in enabling food banks to purchase fresh produce and other essentials, giving them flexibility to meet local needs with higher efficiency. As California faces ongoing fiscal decisions, we remain committed to working collaboratively with state partners to sustain and strengthen programs like CalFood, which are vital to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable communities. 

Across our network of 41 member food banks, we see every day how important it is to create affirming and accessible spaces for everyone we serve. Pride is not just a celebration, but an ongoing dedication to visibility, belonging, and care. When we ensure that every person has access to the food they need to thrive, we are taking meaningful steps toward that commitment. 

This month and throughout the year, we encourage you to:

• Learn more about the relationship between food insecurity and identity.
• Advocate for federal and state programs like CalFood that make food more accessible.
• 支持 local food banks and LGBTQ+-affirming food efforts in your community.

At CAFB, we believe that access to nutritious and culturally relevant food is not only a fundamental right, but a crucial expression of dignity. As we honor Pride Month this June, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no one is excluded from nourishment, resources, and respect. Because in a truly inclusive food system, all are welcome at the table.