Governor Gavin Newsom has reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a heartfelt plea. He’s asking them to reconsider canceling a crucial program that feeds millions of families in California and supports small farmers. This initiative began in 2021 and was a key part of the Biden administration’s efforts to improve food access and build local food systems.
Newsom didn’t hold back, stating that cutting this program would hurt both farmers and families reliant on food banks. The California Department of Social Services has labeled the USDA’s decision as “unlawful.”
The USDA launched this program in 2022 to help diversify food supply chains, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic shook the system. In just over a year, California received $88.5 million, which is funneled to food banks and community organizations. This money is used to buy food from local and underrepresented farmers. California was set to get an additional $47 million this year, but that funding has now been shelved unexpectedly.
Farmers are feeling the impact. Becky Silva, from the California Association of Food Banks, shares that many are left uncertain about what to plant this season. One farmer, Ken Vang, expressed concerns about the livelihoods tied to this program, highlighting how crucial it was for guaranteeing income. Another farmer, Mariela Buenrostro, said the loss of funding could devastate her family’s farm.
The elimination of this program is particularly alarming as more Californians face food insecurity. Recent data shows that more than a quarter of families with children in California are struggling to put food on the table. In September, the number was around 30%. Food banks are experiencing unprecedented demand, with some reporting a 150% increase in people needing assistance.
To complicate matters, Sacramento is also cutting funding for the Cal Foods program, which supports food banks. This drop will see funds reduced from $60 million to just $8 million. These changes arrive amid rising food prices. In February, grocery prices in Los Angeles were up 2.5% from the previous year. Experts expect this trend to continue, with food prices projected to rise another 2.7% nationwide by 2025. New tariffs may exacerbate these increases.
Silva points out that food banks are now facing a daunting challenge, as many rely on these programs to provide for those in need. She emphasizes that the cutbacks come at a time when there’s an urgent need for support, especially as food inflation affects many families.
In appeals and communications to the USDA, officials have questioned why the program was terminated, suggesting that the decision seems arbitrary. They are calling for the agency to reverse its move to ensure both farmers and vulnerable families receive the support they need.
For more details on food insecurity in California, you can check out recent California food bank reports.
Check out this related article: USDA Cuts: Why Food Banks Stay Stocked Despite Surging Order Cancellations
Source link