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CalFresh reach climbs to 81% even as food insecurity persists across California
Summary
State and independent researchers told the Senate Committee on Human Services that CalFresh participation has increased substantially, but hunger remains elevated and the state is rolling out pilots and automation while monitoring federal threats to SNAP funding.
California state and nonprofit witnesses told the Senate Committee on Human Services that participation in CalFresh—the state's SNAP program—has risen sharply but food insecurity remains a persistent problem, and the state is deploying a series of pilots and administrative changes as it watches potential federal funding cuts.
CalFresh participation has increased to an estimated 81% of eligible Californians, up from 67% two years earlier, Alexis Fernandez Garcia, deputy director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division at the California Department of Social Services, told the committee. "CalFresh is largely regarded as one of the most effective tools to combat poverty and food insecurity and routinely reduces food insecurity by 20 to 30%," Fernandez Garcia said.
The improvement in reach reflects…
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