CAFB Policy Team speaks at 2018 CalFresh Forum

CAFB had a stellar showing at this year’s CalFresh Forum. All members of our policy team spoke at the annual gathering organized by California Food Policy Advocates. The forum focuses on bringing together individuals and organizations who work on everything from SNAP to CalFresh Outreach, to policy and advocacy. The meeting draws people from all over the state and provides the community a chance to share expertise, discuss and meet face to face.

TY @CAFoodPolicy for recognizing that #CalFresh can’t #EndHunger alone and we need #CalFood & Infrastructure support for the emergency food network. #CAbudget #CALeg pic.twitter.com/fSChI6T718

— CAFB (@CAFoodBanks) March 14, 2018

Speakers for the event included our Director of Government Affairs, Andrew Cheyne, who spoke on the need for infrastructure in food banks to end hunger. CAFB has submitted a one-time ask to the governor for funds to improve infrastructure support in food banks.

Rachel Tucker, possibly the most positive #SNAPmatters advocate in he country, showing the positive approach toward co-sponsors for #HR1276 & our broader #FarmBill campaign. #CalFreshForum2018 @CAFoodPolicy @ACCFB @shantielise pic.twitter.com/AclhWIP6vg

— CAFB (@CAFoodBanks) March 14, 2018

Rachel Tucker, Senior Policy Advocate, participated on a panel of the importance of the Farm Bill. She and her panel discussed the importance of the bill in California and how to engage with government at the state and local level to highlight the need for SNAP.

Our own Sarah Palmer DeFrank breaking down why #SNAPmatters during a #disaster like the #TubbsFire with amazing experts at @CountyofSonoma @refb @CaliforniaDSS @CathCharSRosa pic.twitter.com/nF4O7CnJkN

— CAFB (@CAFoodBanks) March 14, 2018

Sarah Palmer DeFrank, CAFB’s Advocacy Manager, presented on the panel “Not IF, but WHEN? How to be better Prepared for the Next Disaster,” speaking on the importance of SNAP in disasters. Not only did Sarah lead an excellent panel, she and Shanti Prasad, of the Alameda County Community Food Bank, were both nominated for a Freshy Award for Grassroots Mobilizer of the year.

Members below where nominated for Grassroots Mobilizer of the Year:

•    Patty Figueroa, Outreach Team, Alameda County Community Food Bank

•    Diana Jensen, Senior Analyst, SF-Marin Food Bank

•    Thuey Le, Coordinator, Second Harvest Food Bank

•    Sarah Palmer & Shanti Prasad, Hunger Action Day Co-Chairs, California Hunger Action Coalition

Members nominated for Outreach Leader of the Year were:

•    Evan Baumann, CalFresh Outreach Specialist, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

•    Thania Lopez, CalFresh Outreach Manager, Imperial Valley Food Bank

•    Heidi McHugh, Community Education and Outreach Coordinator, Food for People

•    Karen Sanchez McBride, CalFresh Outreach Coordinator, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

The event was an excellent opportunity for movers and shakers in the state to come together and learn more about issues impacting hunger in California. CAFB is preparing for our own event, Capitol Action Day on April 18. RSVP here. We hope to see many members at the event and speak to representatives on the importance of SNAP.