Happy Birthday, SNAP! And Many Happy Returns…

On Wednesday, September 13, the CAFB caravan arrived at the state Capitol with all the makings of a good birthday party: balloons, cupcakes, and photo booth props. We connected with co-host Jessica Bartholow from Western Center on Law & Poverty, who thoughtfully provided coffee. As the morning wore on, dozens of state legislators and their staff stopped by to take pictures and fill out postcards in support of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, CalFresh in California). Among those who joined us were Assemblymembers Gloria, Caballero, O’Donnell, Bocanegra, Calderon, Garcia, and Dr. Arambula. State senators included Nguyen and Newman. We also saw staff from Californians Against Waste, River City Food Bank, and even a former member of the board for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS). Media moments included an Univision interview with SFBFS CalFresh Outreach Manager Lorena Carranza and a group of student filmmakers interviewing CAFB’s Rachel Tucker about the purpose of our event.

CalFresh has provided nutrition assistance to many families for 40 years. Proud to stand with @CAFoodBanks to support it. #happybdaySNAP pic.twitter.com/GHJc5tLbas

— Todd Gloria (@ToddGloria) September 13, 2017

Wishing a happy 40th birthday to the SNAP program with @SenJanetNguyen @Jess_Bartholow #happybdaySNAP #CAleg pic.twitter.com/uHWuxv8Cd8

— CAFB (@CAFoodBanks) September 13, 2017

The fun continued the following day in the CAFB office as staff took pictures in the break room and later filled out postcards. On Friday the 15, the CAFB communications team, Daniela Ogden and Farley Walker, traveled to Watsonville to meet with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz staff, many of whom took part in the traveling photo booth. (Special thanks to Kevin Heuer for generously sharing his time and hospitality!) Daniela and Farley also stopped by the downtown farmers market to interview several vendors and CalFresh clients, who all shared how vital the program is for the economy, and more importantly, people’s survival. (Keep an eye on our Voices of CalFresh page for new video.)

But the party isn’t over, especially since the official birthday isn’t until September 29. This week our policy team intends to transport the photo booth for a visit to U.S. Representative Jeff Denham’s office. In addition, we are more than happy to share the files or mail props to member food banks who wish to incorporate them into an advocacy event. If interested, contact Farley Walker. If you are interested in throwing a SNAP birthday party at your Congress member’s district office, contact Rachel Tucker.

For more birthday pictures, please visit our Facebook page.