OAKLAND, Calif. — The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) is applauding state lawmakers for including more than $108 million in funding for food banks and nutrition programs in the proposed 2027 state budget as hundreds of thousands of Californians face the possibility of losing SNAP benefits in the coming months.
The funding, included in the Budget Bill AB 109, would support the CalFood program and help provide fresh, healthy California-grown foods to millions of residents struggling to afford groceries.
The budget package also includes $14 million to sustain the CalFresh Outreach program, $5 million to begin expanding the California Food Assistance Program for residents impacted by new federal eligibility restrictions, $15 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, and $16.5 million to support diaper banks statewide.
According to CAFB, nearly 16 million Californians have difficulty affording basic necessities and may rely on food banks for assistance.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Legislature for making these bold investments at such a critical time. We urge Governor Newsom to include the full funding for anti-hunger priorities in the final state budget,” said Stacia Hill Levenfeld, CEO of the California Association of Food Banks. “No one should go hungry in California.”
New data from the Urban Institute show that 24% of California adults experienced food insecurity in 2025. Among adults living with children, that number rose to 33%.
The report found food insecurity extends beyond low-income households. About 17% of adults in households earning at least $60,000 annually for a family of four reported difficulty affording food, highlighting the impact of California’s high cost of living.
Food banks across the state currently serve more than 6 million people each month. CAFB partners with 43 food banks and nearly 6,000 community organizations working to combat hunger and expand access to food assistance throughout California.