Sen. Hurtado proposes Office of Food Security to coordinate state response to hunger
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Summary
SB 1025 would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to centralize coordination among state agencies, food banks and community partners, operate a 24‑hour hotline, and develop a three‑year strategic plan to reduce food insecurity and improve enrollment in CalFresh.
Senator Anna Hurtado presented SB 1025 to the Senate Human Services Committee, calling it “one simple idea: targeted coordination.” She said the office would be a coordinating hub — "a bridge, not a replacement" — to align state departments, food banks and community partners and reduce duplication that leaves people falling through the cracks.
Kelly Lowery (CAPK), a sponsor, testified that the emergency food network was built for crisis response but not for long‑term strategic planning; she said CAPK distributed more than 22.5 million pounds of food in 2025 and argued the office would produce measurable improvements by expanding CalFresh enrollment and replicating effective local systems. Committee members questioned whether the office would duplicate existing hotlines like 2‑1‑1 and how success would be measured. Witnesses said the goal is coordination and information sharing, not supplanting effective local services, and that the office would develop a three‑year strategic plan with measurable KPIs focused on reducing food insecurity.
Senator Weber expressed support and asked about accountability; witnesses agreed a reporting requirement or legislative oversight could be included so the office’s strategic plan and outcomes are measured and reported back to the Legislature. The clerk later called the roll and the committee moved SB 1025 to the Governmental Organization Committee.
The hearing record shows broad stakeholder support from food banks, anti‑hunger groups and local CAPs; no opposition testimony was recorded in this hearing.
