Frankie Berlanga runs El Nopal Panaderia and Tortilla Factory in Hollister. His family business provides around 14,000 fresh tortillas each year to the Community Food Bank of San Benito County. These tortillas are a vital part of local culture, helping families in need fill their dinner tables.
However, a recent budget proposal from Governor Gavin Newsom could threaten this partnership. The proposed cuts would slash the state’s CalFood program from $62 million to just $8 million. If this happens, El Nopal might need to lay off workers, and the food bank could lose a key source of nourishment for its clients.
Guillermo Rodriguez, the Executive Director of the Community Food Bank, explained how crucial these tortillas are for the community. “If our partnership with El Nopal is reduced, we won’t be able to provide as many tortillas,” he said. For many of the food bank’s clients, especially in the Hispanic community, tortillas are a daily necessity.
El Nopal delivers fresh tortillas to the food bank every two weeks. For instance, a recent delivery on February 27 brought in 642 pounds of tortillas. The food bank typically buys about 1,200 bags each month, quickly distributing them to clients during grocery pick-ups.
Each week, the food bank serves about 1,500 local families, many of whom rely on these tortillas. Lisa De La Cruz, the Operations Manager, highlighted the significant impact if funding cuts go through. “The partnership with El Nopal is essential, and we also depend on local farmers,” she said.
El Nopal’s partnership began during the pandemic when Berlanga reached out to the food bank for help. With fewer restaurant orders, he faced the tough choice of laying off employees. By collaborating with the food bank, he was able to keep people working and continue providing fresh tortillas.
In addition to tortillas, El Nopal also bakes bread and other traditional foods. The food bank partnership has been crucial for their business, allowing Berlanga to keep employees on staff. He emphasized the responsibility he feels to support the community that has supported his family since 1923.
“We’re here for the community in good times and bad,” he said. As a business owner, he knows the importance of giving back. If the CalFood cuts take effect, Berlanga may be forced to lay off employees again.
There’s hope that the state legislature can reverse these proposed cuts before finalizing the budget in June. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with the food bank seeing higher demand than even during the pandemic.
Last year, nearly $426 million in federal food assistance was distributed across California. The California Association of Food Banks serves over 6 million people each month. Cuts to programs like CalFresh and food stamps could worsen this crisis.
The CalFood program has supported local farms and food banks since 2011, allowing them to provide diverse and culturally relevant foods. Without it, many families and individuals would face even greater challenges, potentially sparking layoffs and hardship for local farms.
Lauren Lathan-Reid from the California Association of Food Banks noted that budget cuts would increase the demand for donated food even further. Berlanga understands the broader implications of losing food bank funding. “If the food bank suffers, it affects 1,500 families a week. That’s huge,” he said, expressing his concern for others in the community.
