ACCFB staff and community organizers on Hunger Action Day
While advocacy work requires patience, there are moments when long periods of dedicated advocacy and community organizing finally pay off.
June 29 was one of those moments, as Governor Newsom signed a state budget for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year that represents a major victory for our community's advocacy. Amidst cruel federal cuts that are already increasing hunger and poverty, the new budget provides millions of dollars for California's food banks and nutrition programs so that we can better respond to this surge in hunger.
And this wouldn't have been possible without YOU. For example, earlier this year, Governor Newsom offered only $38 million in funding for the CalFood program, which helps food banks distribute fresh, locally grown produce, and accounts for a third of ACCFB's food distribution. This figure was a far cry from what was needed to respond to the hunger emergency. But because of the dozens of you who traveled with us to Sacramento on Hunger Action Day in April, and the hundreds more who sent messages to the Governor and your State Legislators, the final budget now includes $108 million for CalFood, which is exactly what food banks like ACCFB need to ensure everyone in our community is nourished and thriving.
Despite the federal cuts to SNAP/CalFresh (formerly known as "food stamps"), it's more important than ever to spread awareness about this important anti-hunger program and assist community members with applying for it. That's why we're thrilled that the state budget also includes $14 million to support nonprofit organizations with conducting CalFresh Outreach.
We were also able to keep the state on-track to expand the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to provide CalFresh-equivalent benefits to people 55 and older, regardless of their immigration status, starting in October 2027. Unfortunately, the Governor did not commit to expand CFAP to every CalFresh recipient affected by federal cuts, especially due to humanitarian immigrant restrictions and expanded time limits. But we won't give up advocating for this.
Advocates at the Food4All Press Conference in April 2026
The state government budget also includes full funding for universally-free school meals and the SUN Bucks program, which helps families with school-age kids buy groceries when school is out for the summer, so that children are well-nourished year-round.
These victories demonstrate how powerful your voice is. If you aren't already registered, sign up for advocacy action alerts to make sure you don't miss the next opportunity to take action. And if you're ready to take the next step, we invite you to volunteer with ACCFB as a community organizer. The movement to end hunger is more powerful with you in it.
