Cuts to CalFresh Could Exacerbate Food Insecurity in California
Recent proposed reductions to California’s CalFresh food assistance program threaten to significantly impact over 735,000 beneficiaries statewide. Among those affected, Latino children account for nearly 40 percent of recipients, highlighting the disproportionate implications of these cuts within vulnerable communities. Despite Sacramento’s reputation as the “farm-to-fork” capital, more than 448,000 residents struggle with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, thereby increasing their risk of food insecurity.
Carmen, who has resided in Sacramento for nearly two decades, represents the ongoing challenges faced by many families in the region. Having supported her family by selling tamales on the streets, she now finds herself in a precarious financial position. Reduced working hours, driven by fears of immigration enforcement, compound her difficulties in maintaining a stable income. We are withholding her last name to protect her identity and privacy.
As expenses rise, Carmen has adopted a meticulous budgeting strategy. “The little that comes in, I divide into three parts: save for emergencies, bills, and food,” she explains. With her family’s dietary staples limited to affordable options like beans, rice, and pasta, her situation is emblematic of a broader trend among Latino families in the area. A recent study conducted by University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles indicates that nearly half of low-income Latino adults in California experience food insecurity, which has been linked to increased risks of chronic diseases and obesity among adults aged 18 to 65. The societal ramifications extend to children, where inadequate nutrition can have detrimental effects on developmental and mental health outcomes.
The Sacramento County Food Bank plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, serving more than 300,000 individuals monthly. According to senior manager of partnerships Lorena Carranza, extensive data reveals that over 448,000 residents are at risk of hunger. “While they may have resources to feed their families today, there is uncertainty about tomorrow’s needs,” Carranza remarks. Of those served, 26 percent are children, underscoring the urgent need for sustained food assistance.
CalFresh, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a vital resource for approximately 40 percent of Latino children in California. Carranza warns, “The diminishing investment in human capital, especially in nutrition for these children, will have consequences that will resonate for generations.” Experts concur that inadequate access to nutritious food during childhood not only hampers physical growth but also negatively impacts academic performance and mental wellness.
As families like Carmen’s navigate the complexities of food budgeting and resource allocation, the Sacramento Food Bank is rallying the community for support. Donations and assistance are critical to ensuring that the most vulnerable residents do not face uncertainty at their dinner tables. In a region known for abundance, addressing food insecurity remains a pressing challenge requiring collective action and sustained policy support.
