Issue Position: Why We Should Support Food Assistance Programs

Issue Position

National cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps) are bad enough, but the impact of these cuts are felt more deeply when you consider the timing.

The cruel irony is that these cuts went into effect on November 1st -- the month of Thanksgiving -- a time when most Americans will gather around the table with family and a hearty meal to celebrate and give thanks for each other and the many blessing we have.

My family and I often volunteer to serve meals on Thanksgiving to those who struggle to make ends meet or who are homeless, and I believe that with these cuts in effect, those who already have the least will struggle even more. These cuts fall at a time when food banks throughout the Bay Area and the country are already struggling to meet the rising demand for food donations when donations are at an all time low due to the stagnant economy.

To be honest, my outrage at these cuts is personal.

As a child, I was raised by my cousin who struggled as a single parent to make ends meet for me and two younger siblings. There were many times in my life when I was hungry, but we weren't skipping meals because we knew programs like these existed -- and they made all the difference.

My cousin was able to use the food stamp program as a way of supporting our family while working her way out of poverty. She eventually worked her way off of public assistance by taking community college classes and working multiple jobs. She earned her college degree, increased her earnings and bought a home.

Many in California, and across our nation, need a little help along the way -- and our government should provide these vital, often lifesaving programs. I am proud of my cousin's accomplishments and what she taught me about the value of working hard even if you need a little help to get started. Instead of cutting the food stamp program we need to expand these programs as a way of helping those who need a little help along the way.

Please sign the petition to support fully funding CalFresh and food assistance programs so that more families have the opportunity to get the food they need.

I do believe that more children will go to bed hungry because of cuts to the SNAP program. As a member of the Assembly, I will fight hard to expand food programs and to work with non-profits that help Californians enroll in the CalFresh program.

And I will work hard to expand education and career training programs that, in tandem with government programs like CalFresh, enable Californians in need to improve their economic standing and to provide for themselves, their children and their families.

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