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California Families Face Increasing Hardships as Congress Cuts Food Aid

Update The Rising Challenge of Food Insecurity in California The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a stark reality: The government can effectively combat poverty—but that effort requires sustained commitment. During the pandemic, various federal programs significantly reduced poverty rates across the country. However, as the emergency measures faded, so too did the support that kept many families afloat. Now, Congress is taking steps to roll back food aid through cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, putting millions at risk of hunger. The Alarming Statistics Behind Hunger Currently, around 6.4 million Californians are living below the CPM poverty line, as per recent statistics. Children in particular face dire consequences; the child poverty rate jumped back to 17.6% in 2023, nearly mirroring pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Various areas throughout California display stark contrasts; neighborhoods in Los Angeles County witness poverty rates nearing 20%, whereas Sacramento's rate stands at about 13%. This decline in support from government programs threatens to derail hard-won progress. The Impact of SNAP Cuts on Local Families The proposed $186 billion cut to SNAP funding implicates over 42 million Americans—many of whom reside here in San Diego County. These cuts introduce strict paperwork deadlines and freeze benefits despite soaring food prices, which will likely worsen the financial burden on families already struggling to make ends meet. The ripple effect will most certainly reach local grocery stores and community food banks, straining the social fabric of neighborhoods. A Call for Community Support and Engagement Residents of San Diego County are encouraged to advocate for food assistance programs that support struggling families. By staying informed and voicing concerns, community members can affect change on both local and national levels. Increasing awareness about food insecurity is the first step toward combating this pressing issue—significantly impacting our neighbors and future generations. As residents of this vibrant area, it’s vital to understand the realities many families face and to support initiatives that bolster our community. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry in our thriving county.