Governor Gavin Newsom has urgently appealed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse its decision to cancel a crucial food assistance program. The program, initiated during the Biden administration, has provided essential support to millions of California families and hundreds of small farmers since 2021. Newsom described the cut as “irrational and malicious,” emphasizing the negative impact on farmers and families relying on food banks.
The California Department of Social Services has labeled the USDA’s decision as “unlawful” and is pushing for its reversal. The program, which started distributing grants in 2022, aimed to diversify and strengthen food supply chains post-pandemic. California has received $88.5 million from the program, with an additional $47 million expected this year. However, the USDA announced in March that the program would be eliminated, causing concern among farmers and food banks.
Becky Silva, director of government relations for the California Association of Food Banks, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers who had planned crops specifically for the program. “Farmers are constantly calling me about what’s going to happen,” wrote Ken Vang of Fresno BIPOC Produce. The funding cut has left many farmers uncertain about their future, as the program had guaranteed income for them.
The cancellation also affects food banks, which are seeing increased demand. More than a quarter of California families with children struggled to afford food in September, and food banks report record-high demand. The USDA’s decision coincides with cuts to the Cal Foods program, which is set to drop from $60 million to $8 million in June.
Economists predict further food price increases due to new tariffs, compounding the challenges for families and farmers. Newsom’s appeal calls for the USDA to provide a reasoned explanation for its decision, which the California Department of Social Services argues is arbitrary and capricious.
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