A LEGACY OF ADVOCACY
When food banks were first established, they were designed to meet emergency need for food — but that role has evolved to include advocacy along with food distribution. Today food banks like ours have a much bigger goal of eradicating hunger entirely. We can only end hunger by dismantling the systems at hunger’s roots — racism, sexism, classism, heteropatriarchy, ageism, ableism — which concentrate power and resources inequitably. Food insecurity can only be truly eradicated through a more equitable distribution of power and resources.
Dismantling systems can only happen when we hold the government accountable and through effective advocacy, driven by a united community voice.
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
Toppling centuries-old systems sounds daunting, but we have good news: advocacy works!
Just look at the last two years. Universal school meals in the state budget eradicated hunger from California public schools ensuring access to healthy food to children across the state. The federal child tax credit reduced childhood poverty by 25% nationwide. And this year ACCFB advocates joined partners across the state to successfully expand the California Food Assistance Program for undocumented older adults who are excluded from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
These critical legislative victories reduced hunger and poverty, and happened because of advocacy. Whether you contact your representative, vote on election day, or just have a conversation about the issues with your friends and family — every one of us can make a difference.
LET’S GET TO WORK
Every election shapes the government that makes vital decisions affecting our community — and the November 8 mid-term election is no exception. Midterm elections historically have a 33% lower turnout so we can’t let up. We will continue to shine a light on the fact that 1 in 4 Alameda County residents is experiencing hunger and we have the policy solutions to fix this.
That’s where you come in.
Our voices are stronger together, so join us and recruit your community into the conversation about ending hunger! Whether you are a life-long voter, voting for the first time, or unable to vote — there are many ways to make your voice heard. Voting begins before election day so our team has been busy gathering resources about the issues and opportunities to get involved. Learn more and make a plan at accfb.org/vote.
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Sign up for Advocacy Action Alerts at accfb.org/advocacy and get notified when it’s time to contact your elected official.
