UCR students advocate for $60M annual funding for Cal Food program

A recent meeting of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance highlighted urgent calls from University of California, Riverside (UCR) students for increased funding for food assistance programs. Advocates emphasized the critical need for the state to allocate at least $60 million annually to support these essential services, far exceeding the $8 million proposed in the governor's budget.

Students from UCR, representing over 27,000 peers, voiced their concerns about food insecurity, particularly in the Inland Empire, which is known for its high rates of food scarcity. Brianna Chiquila, a psychology and public policy student, shared her personal struggles with affording groceries despite juggling multiple jobs. She pointed out that current food assistance programs can be difficult to navigate, especially for marginalized groups, and warned that inadequate funding would exacerbate these challenges.

Melissa Delgadio, a political science major, echoed these sentiments, stressing that many students rely on campus food pantries, which are primarily funded by the Cal Food program. She urged the committee to restore funding to $16 million annually to ensure that vulnerable students do not go hungry while pursuing their education.

The testimonies highlighted a broader issue of food insecurity affecting approximately 1.3 million college students across California's public university systems. Fatima Garcia, another UCR student, emphasized that many students are forced to make tough choices between basic needs like food and other expenses, such as rent and transportation.

The students collectively argued that food security is directly linked to academic success. They warned that reducing funding for food assistance would not only harm individual students but could also have long-term economic consequences for the state, as hungry students may struggle to graduate on time.

The meeting underscored a pressing community need for adequate food resources, with students advocating for a budget that recognizes food security as a fundamental right. As the committee considers the budget, the voices of these students serve as a reminder of the critical role that food assistance plays in supporting educational equity and public health in California.