Statement condemning violence against Asian American community

The California Association of Food Banks stands firmly with our Asian American colleagues, families, and communities in condemning recent anti-Asian hate crimes.   

Even before recent events, Asian Americans have experienced a long history of racist immigration policy, internment during WWII, targeting by white supremacist organizations, and discrimination that remains ever-present in today’s public policies. And, during this past year, Asian Americans have been disproportionately impacted both in regards to illnesses and deaths related to COVID-19, and also loss of jobs and economic stability. 

From March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, Stop AAPI Hate has reported a total of 3,795 incidents of anti-Asian hate crimes around our country, with nearly 45% of those crimes being reported in California. A full 68% of the incidents are reported by Asian women — and we have no doubt that these numbers under-represent the full reality of harm experienced by the Asian American community. All over California, Asian Americans are feeling the pain, trauma, and fear that these statistics represent. 

We recognize that we cannot make meaningful progress towards a safe and inclusive society without reckoning with our history, and centering the experiences of Asian Americans and BIPOC communities in our pursuit of justice. 

Yet again, it is paramount that we repeat loud and clear: hunger is a racial justice issue. To end hunger, we must end systemic racism. 

The California Association of Food Banks stands in solidarity with our Asian American community members.