Senators Demand Full Funding of Food Assistance Programs
Sacramento, CA - Last week, the House Agriculture Committee approved a proposal to cut approximately $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), jeopardizing the food security of millions of low-income American families. The California State Senate has recently passed a bill calling for “Congress to avoid any cuts to the SNAP program.”
“Massive cuts to SNAP to fund tax cuts for billionaires is flat-out wrong. This will have devastating impacts to millions of Californians who will face greater hunger and poor health outcomes” said State Senator Jesse Arreguín, Chair of the Senate Human Services Committee. “We have a moral imperative to meet the needs of those who face food insecurity, which is why I introduced SJR 3, which passed unanimously, to send a bipartisan message to Congress to defend our most vulnerable residents.”
Senate Joint Resolution 3, which received unanimous, bipartisan support when the State Senate approved it on May 5, highlights the importance of food assistance programs and California’s role in supporting families across the country, whose agricultural sector produces around half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. The bill was introduced by Senators Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) and Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego).
“As a practicing physician, a mother, and a public servant, I am deeply concerned about the House Agriculture Committee's decision to cut $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),” said State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. “In my district, Senate District 39, over 137,000 residents rely on SNAP. These cuts will directly affect my constituents and are likely to have the most devastating impact on our most vulnerable communities. Seniors, children, and working families will be stripped of critical resources needed for basic nutrition. In a state where the cost of living is already high, these cuts will only exacerbate the cycle of poverty and food insecurity. It is clear that this decision does not support the neediest Californians. Rather, it further burdens them and makes it harder for many families to thrive. We need policies that uplift all people, not ones that punish the most vulnerable among us.”
The federally administered SNAP provides food assistance to 42.2 million Americans as of fiscal year 2023, with demand for such programs rising since the COVID-19 pandemic. California’s food assistance program, CalFresh, is fully funded through SNAP and supports 5.4 million Californians, including over 1.1 million adults over the age of 60 and 1.9 million children under 18. In 2024, California received $12.5 billion from SNAP. According to the US Department of Agriculture, for every $1 in SNAP funds spent, up to $1.80 is generated in local economic revenue. Additionally, SNAP sustains 173,000 jobs in California’s food and farming economy.
"California food banks are already stretched thin, serving more than 6 million people each month. There is no way that food banks can make up for the amount of food households would lose as a result of these cuts to SNAP," said Stacia Levenfeld, CEO at California Association of Food Banks. "For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP delivers nine. We urge Congress to reject these cuts and protect SNAP; a proven program that not only fights hunger, but protects jobs in our communities."
“From the corner store to the supermarket, SNAP is a vital part of the California grocery community’s ability to nourish neighborhoods,” said California Grocers Association Director of State Government Relations Leticia Garcia. “When you cut SNAP, the most vulnerable Americans suffer while also harming the businesses serving these communities. California grocers applaud the California State Senate and Sen. Arreguin for standing up for what’s right.”
“Where is the integrity in the largest cut to food assistance in our nation’s history?” asked Shimica Gaskins, President and CEO of End Child Poverty California. “The cruelty in this bill truly knows no bounds. By proposing that states must shoulder a portion of the benefit, this bill ends the federal promise that no one should go hungry, dismantling the heart of the SNAP program as a federal entitlement. On top of deep cuts to Medicaid and other vital supports, this bill will reverse decades of progress and usher in a future of poverty for our children. We thank the Senate for their unanimous support for SNAP, and urge all California Members of Congress to reject cuts to these programs and instead support children and families.”
SNAP has widespread support across the country, with a recent survey showing 64% have a favorable view of SNAP, including majorities among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Only 14% had an unfavorable view, highlighting the public’s recognition of the importance of food assistance programs.