As a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is aware of the expiration of emergency food benefits for millions of Americans across the country, including those in our region, and bracing for an increase in need in the spring of 2023.

The CalFresh program has been a lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency allotments have provided crucial support to low-income households, enabling them to put food on the table and avoid hunger. However, with the end of the pandemic, the federal government will reduce the program’s benefits, which will significantly impact food-insecure families in LA County.

According to recent reports, more than 4 million Californians will lose their extra food assistance benefits when the CalFresh emergency allotments expire. In LA County alone, this means that hundreds of thousands of families will face a reduction in their food assistance benefits, leading to increased food insecurity and hunger.

Food Bank President and CEO, Michael Flood, was interviewed recently by Spectrum News 1 on this topic:

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has seen first-hand the devastating impact of food insecurity on families in our community. In 2022, the Food Bank distributed more than 110 million pounds of food to families in need, many of whom have never had to seek assistance before. The end of emergency food benefits will only exacerbate the already dire situation for many of these families, leaving them without the support they need to put food on the table.

As we approach the expiration of these benefits, we are working closely with our partners, advocates, and policymakers to extend the program’s benefits and prevent a hunger crisis in LA County. We believe that no one should go hungry, and we are committed to fighting for policies and programs that support families in need.

This is all coming at a time when food prices are still on the rise – read the related story >

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is committed to fighting hunger and supporting families in our community. We believe that together, we can create a world where no one goes hungry, and everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about CalFresh, or to register, please complete this form and someone from the Food Bank team will contact you.

Sources:

• https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/02/calfresh-emergency-allotments-ending/ 
• https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/3850895-extra-snap-benefits-set-to-expire-for-millions-nationwide/ 
• https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/calfreshs-pandemic-related-assistance-set-to-expire/ 

*The first draft of this blog post was written by ChatGPT.