The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will convene on December 2 to discuss local food assistance programs amid a 20 to 30 percent surge in demand in recent months. The hearing will feature input from state officials and the California Association of Food Banks.

Food insecurity in California has been exacerbated by disruptions in federal government operations, recent changes to SNAP benefits, and ongoing inflation.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity, stating, “California is working quickly to address disruptions to funding and programs that provide food assistance to some of our most vulnerable populations.” The state has expedited $80 million in funding and mobilized California Volunteers and the National Guard to assist food banks under Governor Newsom’s directive.

Don Cameron, President of the State Board of Food and Agriculture, highlighted the role of local farmers in addressing hunger, calling on the agricultural community to contribute to food banks.

The meeting will also include legislative updates and reports from CDFA’s Farm Equity and Small Farm Advisory Committees. 

The State Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The meeting is available via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83141519635 

•  Webinar ID: 831 4151 9635
•  Passcode: Board2025!
•  (Phone Access Passcode: 1416647458)
•  (Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)

Invited speakers include: Stacia Levenfeld, California Association of Food Banks; Alexis Fernández Garcia, CA Department of Social Services; Sarah Hanson, CA Department of Food and Agriculture; Stephen Tacheira, CA Department of Food and Agriculture; Justin Miller, CDFA Small Scale Producer Advisory Committee; Hung K. Doan, CDFA BIPOC Advisory Committee; Rachael O’Brien, CA Department of Food and Agriculture; and others.

The State Board advises the Governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and the public to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

CDFA’s Mission: To safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality and sustainability.

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