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Federal Update The Food Bank is focused on following areas for 2012: President Obama’s 2013 Proposed Budget: The proposed budget includes a restoration of the cuts to the CalFresh/SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps). Under this budget, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) will receive funding to maintain the current caseload but will not be able to grow. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP); on the other hand, is proposed to receive lower funding for 2012. Farm Bill: Currently, 70 percent of the Farm Bill supports nutrition programs such as CalFresh/SNAP, The Emergency Food Assistance program (EFAP), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). However, the ongoing debate over the Farm Bill makes it difficult to predict what will happen to those programs. The Food Bank stands firm on opposing cuts and is advocating for an increase in funding. We urge you to contact your congressional representative to let them know that you oppose cuts to any federal feeding programs.
State Update Budget cuts to various state programs will send more people looking for food assistance in 2012. As the 2012-2013 budget tries to close $9.5 billion in shortfall, many social services that help those facing food insecurity see major cuts in funding. The resulting cuts will cause more California residents to seek food assistance. Please contact your state legislators and ask them not to make large budget cuts on the programs that millions of low-income people rely on. |
