BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The California State Senate has approved a bill seeking to expand the state’s food programs to help families connect with critical food resources.
State Senate Bill 1025 — dubbed the Food Access and Affordability Act — was authored by Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), who is currently running for reelection, and was passed with unanimous support.
If enacted, the bill would establish an Office of Food Security and Affordability to help improve the coordination between California’s food assistance programs and families.
Watch ‘After Sunrise’ on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices
The measure would also seek to expand outreach efforts and create a statewide hunger hotline aimed at helping Californians connect with available resources.
“Across California there are families, students, seniors and working parents, who qualify for food assistance but still find it difficult to access the support that exists,” said Hurtado, who serves as senator for District 16 which covers parts of Kern, Fresno, Tulare and Kings counties. “SB 1025 is about making that system easier to navigate for individuals.”
The bill would strengthen the coordination and collaboration between agencies that support emergency food providers and outreach efforts across the state.
The legislation is now moving to the State Assembly for consideration.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.