It’s CalFresh Awareness Month, and there are so many reasons to celebrate the nation’s largest and most important hunger-fighting program. But right now CalFresh (SNAP nationally, formerly food stamps) is facing steep budget cuts that could leave our neighbors struggling to put food on their tables!
There are so many reasons CalFresh is worth fighting for – from helping our local economy to improving the health of children, seniors and everyone in between. Read on to learn about how you can help us maintain this important program – and why there are so many reasons to celebrate CalFresh.
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is California’s version of SNAP, the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This program allows our neighbors to purchase groceries when money is tight, so they can get the food that’s right for their family.
Neighbors who benefit from CalFresh tell us they feel empowered by the program, because they are able to purchase food that meets the unique dietary and nutritional needs of their family, and the culturally-relevant ingredients that go into their favorite dishes.
CalFresh benefits are loaded monthly onto an EBT card (similar to a debit card) that neighbors use at grocery stores, online and at many farmers’ markets. Currently more than 5 million Californians (that’s 1 in 7 people), and roughly 100,000 neighbors living in Contra Costa and Solano counties.
How is CalFresh at risk?
In April, Congress passed a budget reconciliation framework that calls for $230 billion in cuts to Agricultural programs, with CalFresh/SNAP as a main target.
There’s also a push to require states to pay a portion of SNAP benefit costs. If these proposed cuts move forward, millions of Americans will struggle to feed themselves and their families, and access to benefits will become more difficult due to changes in eligibility.
And that’s not all! All the positive benefits CalFresh provides are at risk due to these cuts – including its positive impacts on community wellbeing and our local economy.
Why CalFresh Matters
1. It’s America’s #1 hunger fighter
For every one meal neighbors receive from a food bank, CalFresh benefits provide nine. The program makes a tremendous impact on fighting hunger – without it, the need for food banks and community support would be much, much higher than it is today.
2 . CalFresh helps our economy thrive
It’s one of the most effective forms of economic stimulus. Each dollar spent generates about $1.54 in economic activity, according to the Department of Agriculture. Money spent at local stores and farmers’ markets leads to more jobs and wages in the community. And since these funds free up money to purchase other household necessities, non-food-related businesses get a boost from the purchase of diapers, medicine, clothing and more.
Locally, CalFresh helped generate over $18,147,419 in economic impact in our counties last year!
3. Healthy food, happy farmers
CalFresh recipients can receive extra money for fruits and vegetables by using Market Match, a program designed to reduce diet-related illnesses and support farming communities. When CalFresh shoppers spend $10-$15 of their benefits on fresh produce at one of our local participating farmers’ markets, they’ll receive an additional $10-$15 to spend!
4. Better health for seniors
CalFresh benefits can result in reduced healthcare costs for seniors, who are more likely to take prescribed medicine when they receive funds for food. Not only does this mean fewer complications and hospitalizations, but also fewer nursing home admissions, less frequent visits to emergency rooms and more seniors living independently in their communities.
5. Kids flourish
About 50,000 kids under age 18 utilize CalFresh benefits in Contra Costa and Solano Counties, preparing them for a brighter future. Research shows that proper nutrition will enhance their social and emotional well-being, improve their school performance and lower the risk of future chronic health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.
How You Can Make a Difference
We need your help to protect SNAP and the Food Bank’s funding. There are quick and easy resources below – please use them to make your voice heard, and feel free to share this information with your friends, family and network. You’ll help explain why SNAP is crucial for our community and a necessary program for our struggling neighbors.
- Call Your Representative. Leave a detailed message, urging them to defend CalFresh/SNAP to ensure all of our neighbors have healthy food to eat.
- Email Your State Legislator. Reach out to your State Senator and Assemblymember to support the CalFood program. It provides critical funds that food banks use to purchase locally-grown food.
- Email your Congressperson. Request that SNAP is protected with just a few quick clicks.
Thank you for your support!
