COVID-19 Response: Policy Priorities 

The COVID-19 pandemic is making it even more difficult for many Californians to safely access the food they need. That's why the team at California Food Policy Advocates is grateful to be working with national, state, and local partners to advance timely, effective policies that support the health and well being of Californians struggling to meet their basic needs.




The breadth and gravity of this crisis require a comprehensive, short- and long-term response.  We call on elected officials and administrators to lead a COVID-19 policy response that is both equitable and inclusive. 

For more, read our agenda of  COVID-19 Policy Priorities .

Connect With Us
We appreciate all who have reached out to share the challenges you're facing and the changes you want to see in support of communities grappling with COVID-19. Please continue to share this critical information with us.  We are with you to amplify important issues and advocate together. 

You can reach our team by contacting  tia@cfpa.net.

Advocacy Opportunities
A Safety Net that Works for Everyone
Recent federal coronavirus legislation-including the Families First and the CARES Act - created new nutrition program flexibilities and key investments to support access to food during the Pandemic, but significant gaps to food and economic relief remain. Californians will feel the effects of the COVID-19 crisis long after the immediate emergency has passed. If you haven't already reached out to your Member of Congress, we hope you will join us in asking for equitable and inclusive federal action to protect the health and wellbeing of all Californians, now and in the wake of COVID-19. Urge them to take action:

  1. Prioritize SNAP/CalFresh: Previous stimulus packages did not include a SNAP/CalFresh benefit increase, which is needed to help families afford food - and to boost overall consumer spending - while the economy remains weak. Congress must raise the maximum and minimum SNAP/CalFresh benefit level in the next stimulus package and suspend administrative actions that would eliminate or weaken SNAP/CalFresh benefits.
     
  2. Don't leave immigrants behind : Earlier stimulus packages included significant investments for low and middle-income Americans, but certain immigrant families were excluded from these new resources. Future COVID-19 relief policies must: 1) support basic needs for immigrant families, including access to stimulus rebates and affordable health coverage, treatment, and screening, and 2) suspend public charge policies.  

Need help finding your Members of Congress? Use this tool , which provides the emails and social media accounts for California's Congressional Delegation. 

Questions about federal advocacy? Contact Melissa Cannon at melissa@cfpa.net.