California lawmakers urge Congress to protect SNAP from proposed federal funding cuts

A powerful call to action emerged from the Assembly Human Services Committee meeting in California as lawmakers rallied behind Senate Joint Resolution 3 (SJR 3), urging Congress to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from proposed cuts. This resolution highlights the critical role SNAP plays in combating hunger, particularly in a state where 1 in 7 residents rely on CalFresh, California's version of SNAP.

During the meeting, advocates emphasized that SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the U.S., providing essential support to over 5.4 million Californians. The urgency of the resolution was underscored by alarming statistics: food insecurity has surged since the pandemic, with food banks now serving 6 million people monthly. Kelly Longo Flores from the California Association of Food Banks noted a staggering 20% increase in demand at food banks, while resources have dwindled.

The proposed federal cuts to SNAP could have devastating effects, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and low-income families. Yesenia Jimenez from End Child Poverty California stressed that SNAP not only alleviates hunger but also supports the economy by enabling families to purchase food, thereby sustaining local businesses and agricultural workers.

SJR 3 received unanimous bipartisan support in the state Senate, passing with a 38-0 vote. The resolution's proponents argue that cutting SNAP funding would exacerbate food insecurity and harm California's economy, which is already grappling with high living costs. As the committee members voiced their support, they reiterated the importance of maintaining this vital program to ensure that no Californian goes hungry.

The resolution now awaits further action, with advocates hopeful that it will influence federal lawmakers to reconsider any proposed cuts to SNAP, reinforcing the commitment to uphold the promise that no one should go hungry in the United States.