California Steps Up To Tackle Hunger and Counter Federal Cuts To Food Assistance

• Nicholas Chan
• Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee
• (916) 319-2392
• [email protected]

In the face of sweeping federal cuts to safety net programs, California is bolstering its efforts to combat food insecurity. The 2026-2027 budget reinforces the state's commitment to mitigating the impacts of the Republican budget bill H.R. 1 and reducing the rising levels of hunger in California.

The investments come at a time when the Republican federal government is gutting nutrition programs for low-income families. H.R. 1 makes the largest cut to SNAP, known statewide as CalFresh, in the program's history. 8.8 million Californians are already struggling with food insecurity, and ongoing federal attacks are putting families in jeopardy of even deeper levels of poverty.

In response, California is strengthening the state's investments in food aid. The budget will enable food banks to address the rapidly growing need for food aid, strengthen counties' CalFresh eligibility workforce, and protect low-income families from devastating federal cuts.

"The federal government is deliberately starving people by decimating social safety nets," said Assemblymember Alex Lee, Chair of the Human Services Committee. "Despite the direct federal attacks on working families, California is doubling down on our investments in anti-hunger programs. We are taking critical steps to protect low-income families from the cruel and punitive policies of the radical regime in DC. I will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen our food security programs, and ensure families have access to affordable and nutritious food."

"As Chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2, I remain committed to ensuring the State Assembly does everything in its power to protect our communities, keep them fed, and housed," said Assemblymember Corey Jackson. "No Californian should go hungry, homeless or die because of decisions made by Republicans."

Below are several key investments in food assistance in the 2026-27 budget:

• $100 million in one-time funding and $8 million in ongoing funding for CalFood, which enables food banks to purchase California-grown produce.
• $223 million in one-time funding for counties to respond to H.R. 1's expanded work requirements for CalFresh recipients.
• $14 million in one-time funding for the CalFresh Outreach Program, which helps people navigate CalFresh applications and connects them with additional food resources. As the program faces a 25% reduction in federal reimbursement due to H.R. 1, the investment will sustain the state's ongoing efforts to connect people to food assistance.
• $20 million in one-time funding for the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program. The program expands access to fresh, nutritious meals by providing extra food benefits for CalFresh families.