Senator Richardson Helps Secure Vital Funding for California Families in Need

SACRAMENTO, California – (June 30, 2025) – Governor Newsom has officially signed California’s 2025–26 state budget, a landmark $321 billion package that includes critical investments across the state, among them, a significant boost to nutritional assistance. One standout initiative is the CalFresh Fruits and Vegetables Pilot Program, a priority championed by Senator Richardson throughout budget negotiations.

“With 20 percent of California families, including children, the elderly, and the infirmed, experiencing food insecurity, living with little to no access to food on a daily basis, as reported by the California Food Bank Association, expanding access to healthy food is not just policy, it’s a moral obligation,” said Senator Richardson. “As grocery prices rise and many households are forced to rely on inexpensive, highly processed foods that lack essential nutrients, this CalFresh initiative will make fresh, nutritious produce more accessible for millions of Californians.”

The state has earmarked $36 million for the pilot program, which will also provide an additional $60 monthly reimbursement through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, empowering low-income families to make healthier choices at the checkout line.

###