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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known federally as SNAP, or known in California as CalFresh) is a federally mandated, state-supervised, and county-operated government entitlement program that provides monthly food benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels. Throughout the country, SNAP helps millions of people with disabilities put food on the table.
In years past, Californians on SSI/SSP were ineligible for food assistance through CalFresh; however, as a result of advocacy efforts in this year’s state budget, starting June, 2019 Californians on SSI/SSP will be eligible for food assistance through CalFresh.
However, this Summer, through the Farm Bill, The House of Representatives voted to cut SNAP for roughly 2 million people over 10 years. In July, the U.S. Senate passed a different version of the Farm Bill, which does not include these harmful cuts. The Farm Bill is now going to “conference” for Members of the House and Senate to negotiate. It is vital that a final Farm Bill does not include cuts to SNAP.
The following members of Congress from California are serving on that Conference Committee, please contact them and tell them to oppose any cuts to SNAP in a final Farm Bill:
District: La Habra, Chino Hills, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Buena Park, Diamond Bar
Phone: (714) 255-0101 or (909) 420-0010
Twitter: @RepEdRoyce
District: Modesto, Tracy, Turlock, Manteca
Phone: (209) 579-5458
Twitter: @RepJeffDenham
District: Fresno, Merced, Madera, Los Banos
Phone: 559-495-1620
Twitter: @RepJimCosta
District: Irvine, Tustin, Mission Viejo,
Phone: (949) 263-8703
Twitter: @RepMimiWalters
Materials to support SNAP advocacy:
- Talking points for outreach to Members of Congress:
- Millions of people with disabilities rely on SNAP for access to nutritious foods.
- Please oppose the inclusion of any cuts to SNAP in a final Farm Bill.
- Fact sheet to share with Members of Congress.
- Please share The Arc’s advocacy video on SNAP.
Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director, The Arc of California