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Protecting and Expanding Food Access for Immigrants

Learn about the fears and challenges faced by immigrants in accessing food assistance programs and how we can build a food assistance safety net that works for all Californians. Discover the proposed policy changes and steps to reduce barriers and stigma around food assistance programs.

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Protecting and Expanding Food Access for Immigrants

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  1. Protecting and Expanding Food Access for Immigrants Tracey Patterson Director of Engagement & Strategy California Food Policy Advocates

  2. Fears of using food assistance are widespread… Firsthand account from WIC clinic: A client came in and identified as a DACA recipient. She was unable to renew her permit, and didn’t want any government program to be linked to her. Even though clinic staff advised her that WIC does not collect immigration status and does not share information with immigration authorities, she was advised by other members of her community not to accept any assistance from federal programs. She said she was very sorry and returned her Symphony breast pump. …yet parents often overcome worries for their children. How can we refuse the help? Healthy food is too expensive but junk food is cheap. Soda is cheaper than water! -Parent in San Diego Children should not have to worry about this. This is an adult problem, it is very sad and they are suffering. -Parent in Fremont

  3. How can we build a food assistance safety net Listening to Communities that works for all Californians? When mixed-status immigrant families were asked what changes would help the most: #1 Allow all family members to receive CalFresh, regardless of whether they have social security numbers or not #2 Allow access to cash assistance to pay bills that CalFresh cannot cover #3 Make it easier to apply and enroll into programs like CalFresh and WIC *SB 285 (Wiener)- CalFresh Connect* If families forgo essential benefits... Children struggle in school. Increased financial stress on parents. Physical and mental health risks.

  4. Next Steps... • Building a Pro-Immigrant 'Food for All’ Policy Agenda • Pursue state policy change to remove immigrant exclusions to CalFresh • Reduce barriers to access and stigma around all food assistance programs • Continue to build coalitions across movements • Elevate immigrant voices through storytelling &meaningful inclusion in the work Sign up for Action Alerts: cfpa.net/subscribeQuestions?tracey@cfpa.net

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