In a recent testimony before the Senate Human Services Committee, Tess Thorman, a researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), shed light on the critical issue of food insecurity in the state. Her remarks highlighted the prevalence of this problem and the effectiveness of various nutrition safety net programs. According to the latest data, approximately 13% of California households faced food insecurity in 2023. This percentage has fluctuated over the years, influenced by economic conditions and policy changes. The testimony also emphasized the disproportionate impact on households with children and certain racial/ethnic groups, as well as the role of public assistance programs in mitigating food insecurity and poverty.

The Prevalence and Impact of Food Insecurity in California

On March 11, 2025, Tess Thorman addressed the Senate Human Services Committee regarding the pressing issue of food insecurity in California. Thorman, representing the Public Policy Institute of California, presented findings that revealed the extent of this challenge. In the most recent data from 2023, nearly 1.8 million households in California experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. Among these, about 700,000 households faced very low food security, where meals were skipped or significantly reduced. Additionally, 1.1 million households managed to avoid cutting back on meals but had to alter their diets to less nutritious options. The research indicated that food insecurity disproportionately affects households with children, with 17% of such families experiencing food hardship compared to 11% of those without children. Moreover, racial and ethnic disparities were evident, with Latino, Black, and other non-White households more likely to face food insecurity than White and Asian households.Thorman also discussed the effectiveness of California's nutrition safety net programs. Over 15 public initiatives aim to ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations. Programs like CalFresh, school meals, and WIC have been instrumental in reducing food insecurity and poverty. For instance, the Universal Meals program now guarantees free school meals for all students, while SUN Bucks provides summer meal assistance. These expansions have helped cushion the blow of expired pandemic-era benefits, although challenges remain as federal funding decreases.

From a broader perspective, the nutrition safety net not only combats food insecurity but also alleviates poverty. According to the PPIC/Stanford California Poverty Measure, around 5 million Californians lived in poverty at the start of 2023. Without programs like CalFresh, school meals, and WIC, an additional 1.5 million people would have fallen into poverty. The temporary boost in CalFresh benefits during the pandemic significantly reduced food hardship, but its expiration in spring 2023 led to a resurgence in food insufficiency.

Reflections on the Importance of Nutrition Safety Net Programs

As a journalist covering social issues, it is clear that the fight against food insecurity in California requires sustained effort and strategic policy interventions. The insights provided by Tess Thorman underscore the importance of robust nutrition safety net programs. While these programs have made significant strides, ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued support and innovation. Ensuring that eligible families can access these resources remains crucial, especially as federal funding faces uncertainty. Ultimately, addressing food insecurity is not just about providing meals; it is about fostering healthier, more resilient communities. The commitment to improving public policy in this area reflects a broader goal of creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.