California faces hunger crisis as CalFresh emergency benefits end for millions

California's Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services convened on March 8, 2023, to address pressing issues surrounding food security and the CalFresh program, which provides essential food assistance to millions of residents. The meeting highlighted the impending expiration of emergency food benefits that have been crucial during the pandemic, raising concerns about a looming hunger crisis in the state.

Director Kim Johnson from the Department of Social Services reported that over 4.8 million Californians currently rely on CalFresh, with projections indicating an increase in caseloads. However, the end of federal emergency allotments will result in an average monthly benefit reduction of $95 per household, significantly impacting those already struggling to meet their food needs. The last of these emergency benefits will be issued in March, leaving many families facing a stark drop in support.

Becky Silva, representing the California Association of Food Banks, emphasized the severity of the hunger crisis, noting that the end of programs like CalFresh Emergency Allotments and Pandemic EBT will create a gap equivalent to about 3 billion meals statewide. Silva called for immediate budget investments to mitigate the impact, including raising the minimum CalFresh benefit from $23 to $50 per month to better reflect California's high cost of living.

Community advocate Kiva Dean shared her personal experiences with food insecurity, underscoring the importance of adequate food assistance for families. She urged lawmakers to consider increasing funding for CalFresh and food banks to ensure that vulnerable communities can access nutritious food.

Jared Call from Nourish California proposed extending successful pilot programs that provide additional benefits for households lacking access to safe drinking water and incentivize the purchase of fresh produce. He highlighted the need for continued support for low-income Californians, particularly those excluded from CalFresh due to immigration status.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a critical moment for California's food assistance programs, as stakeholders called for immediate action to address the anticipated rise in hunger and ensure that all residents have access to the food they need. As the state navigates these challenges, the commitment to enhancing food security will be vital in supporting the health and well-being of its communities.