By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey

‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌

Before the federal government shutdown became imminent — and before the risk of a hunger crisis was clear — Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa) introduced a bill aimed at preventing any reduction in CalFresh benefits, if federal funding were ever cut.

Assembly Bill (AB 1211), “CalFresh Eligibility,” would’ve required the State Department of Social Services to ensure CalFresh benefits remain at least at the level in effect on Jan. 20, if Washington decides to reduce spending on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – known as CalFresh in California.

The bill, which mandated a feasibility study on increasing CalFresh eligibility and benefits, was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 23 and did not advance to the Assembly floor for a vote.  AB 1211 is part of Sharp-Collins’ Working for Families Legislative Package.

Before Nov. 1, the ongoing federal government shutdown had put SNAP benefits at risk of suspension for the month of November. On Oct. 31, just one day before the payments were set to stop, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the program. In response to the uncertainty, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California is fast-tracking $80 million in state funds to bolster food banks around the state.

“Last year, I introduced legislation for a scenario exactly like this. We are now staring into the consequences of letting vital programs collapse. Destroying CalFresh would cause irreversible damage to our communities,” Sharp-Collins stated. “The last thing any Californian should have to worry about is where their next meal will come from. Children, seniors, veterans, and families living in poverty depend on CalFresh.”

Like Sharp-Collins, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), had similar foresight on protecting CalFresh. In March, Weber Pierson co-authored Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3 with Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) urging the United States Government to avoid any cuts to the federal nutrition program.

The Senate approved the resolution on July 15 with a unanimous vote before it was chaptered by the Secretary of State three days later.

“Twenty two percent of households in California are food insecure, and 27% of households with children in the state are food insecure,” said Weber Pierson at a SJR hearing in May. “Rates of food insecurity are higher than the statewide average for Black and Hispanic, or Latino, households.”

Weber Pierson said CalFresh is California’s primary anti-poverty program.

AB 1211 is currently a two-year bill in the Legislature. It did not move forward in the 2025 legislative session, but remains active for consideration in the second year of the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Both Sharp-Collins and Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), who is also a member of the CLBC, are the co-chairs of the Assembly’s Select Committee on CalFresh Enrollment and Nutrition. Both played key roles in the state’s response to the looming federal cuts.

Instituted by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) in April, the Select Committee on CalFresh Enrollment and Nutrition is a legislative faction focused on addressing food insecurity in the state by improving the CalFresh program.

“We are leading the charge. We are taking urgent, decisive action to protect our communities, safeguard access to food, and stand up for children, seniors, veterans, and families in need,” Sharp-Collins stated. “This is what leadership looks like, and this is exactly what I and my Assembly colleagues, along with our Speaker, will be delivering for every Californian who depends on CalFresh.”

The goals of the committee include modernizing program systems, strengthening enrollment protections, and ensuring a stable food supply for Californians, according to a press release from the Assembly Speaker’s office.

Rivas’s office had already estimated that over a million eligible Californians experience hunger and face daily food insecurity while billions in federal dollars are left on the table. The committee plans on boosting CalFresh enrollment, improving access to fresh food, and ensuring every family can afford to eat with dignity.

Bonta, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and other elected officials announced on Oct. 31 that another $1.5 million in food assistance was raised for CalFresh recipients.

In Alameda County, the Board of Supervisors has already agreed to give about $10 million to local organizations that feed residents.

“I grew up watching my mother’s hard work to put food on the table, and I know parents across the state are working two or three jobs to afford basic needs like a healthy meal,” Bonta stated. The federal administration is poised only to make this worse as they target essential programs to fund tax cuts for their billionaire buddies.”

Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), serves on the Human Services Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over nutrition programs, including CalFresh.

Ashley Anderson, Elhawary’s field representative and communications director, told California Black Media (CBM) that “Elhawary recognizes how stressful this federal government shutdown has been for families,” especially those “relying on programs like SNAP and food bank assistance.”

Elhawary’s office has been in direct contact with constituents who are experiencing hardship with food distribution and resources in her district.

“While this is a federal issue, she’s doing everything within her power at the state level to ensure families in our district continue to receive the support they need,” Anderson said. “Assemblymember Elhawary remains focused on making sure families know where to turn for help and that no one is left behind during this difficult time.”

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) and her office have been working with county and city officials, as well as food banks, to provide emergency food assistance and resources to affected families in her district, which covers parts of San Joaquin County in the Central Valley.

Ransom serves as the Chair of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee. Her focus is on managing the local and state-level impacts of the federal government shutdown.

“With changes to CalFresh benefits creating new challenges for families, I want you to know that help is on the way,” Ransom stated on Instagram. “California set aside $80 million to support food banks, and the Governor has announced those funds will be fast-tracked to meet the growing need. Our local food banks do amazing work, and they need our support now more than ever.”