We’re excited to share that California’s state budget is strengthening food security! Our state elected officials heard the voices of hunger fighters like you, and are taking positive steps to keep fresh, healthy food on our neighbors’ tables.
As the H.R. 1 budget bill’s devastating cuts to CalFresh/SNAP benefits begin to affect our neighbors, state and local policy wins like these are critical to help food banks like ours fill the hunger gap in our community.
The new budget, signed on June 29, 2026, includes more than $108 million in funding for the CalFood program, which will help food banks like ours purchase nutritious, California-grown and produced food – supporting local farmers, food systems, and neighbors struggling to make ends meet.
More California State Budget wins
$14 million to sustain the CalFresh Outreach program. Food banks and local organizations can help neighbors apply for benefits, navigate complicated new eligibility changes resulting from H.R. 1, and avoid cancellation of benefits.
$15 million to sustain the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program. This will help replace federal LFPA funding which was canceled in 2025. Food banks will expand their local purchasing power, supporting small farms and producers by providing nutritious food to families, including culturally-relevant produce.
$16.5 million to support diaper banks. Funding ensures families receive diapers, which are currently not covered by CalFresh benefits. This will free up family budgets to pay for other basic necessities.
We are grateful to local government officials and our Food Bank advocacy leaders for fighting for change. And, thanks to YOU, our hunger-fighting family, for standing with us to end hunger in our communities.
What’s next to strengthen our California safety net
The final signed budget did not include $5 million to begin expanding the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) for Californians who have lost access to CalFresh because of the new federal eligibility restrictions.
The Food Bank and our advocacy partners will continue to advocate for AB 2299, a companion bill which would allow California the flexibility to offer this state-funded food assistance, and help reduce the need for emergency food assistance, like the Food Bank.