Congress has passed a budget reconciliation bill that includes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, according to a statement from Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino (FARSB).
The local food bank organization called the legislation "the biggest cuts" to these programs "in a generation" and warned it would significantly impact food security and healthcare access for millions of Californians, including Inland Empire residents.
"This legislation is a significant setback for people and communities already facing barriers to accessing the food and resources they need to thrive," said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO of FARSB. "With the sustained high cost of food and health care, this is not the time to scale back essential programs that help families stay afloat."
FARSB estimates the cuts will eliminate the equivalent of approximately 6 billion meals each year nationwide and strip healthcare coverage from at least 8 million people. For perspective, the organization noted that the entire Feeding America network—comprising more than 200 food banks and 60,000 partner organizations—distributed nearly 6 billion meals last year.
FARSB officials expressed concern that the reductions come as food insecurity continues to rise across the country and grocery prices remain elevated. The organization warned the cuts will place additional strain on food banks already struggling to meet growing demand.
"People in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties work hard every day to build better lives, but they need a strong foundation to succeed," Fajardo said. "Access to food and health care is the foundation."
The legislation will particularly affect children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who rely on SNAP benefits—known as CalFresh in California—and Medicaid for basic necessities.
FARSB plans to work with Feeding America and the California Association of Food Banks to develop strategies to support affected residents in the coming months. The organization is also calling on lawmakers and community members to understand the stakes and work together to strengthen support systems for struggling families.
Founded in 1980, FARSB serves as the primary food source for over 250 local nonprofit organizations throughout the Inland Empire. The organization distributes more than 3.1 million pounds of food monthly to emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, senior centers and after-school programs, ultimately reaching over one million households annually.
For more information about advocacy efforts, visit FeedingIE.org/advocacy.
