"We can't fundraise our way out of this": Redlands nonprofit warns food benefit cuts will strain local safety net

REDLANDS, Calif. — U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar visited the Family Service Association of Redlands on Wednesday, warning that recent federal changes to food assistance programs are placing greater strain on local nonprofits serving families facing food insecurity.

The visit comes as Redlands continues grappling with growing food needs. Over the past year, city leaders formed a Food Security Task Force while organizations such as Family Service Association have expanded emergency food distributions, children's meal programs and other services in response to increased demand.

Aguilar, a Democrat representing California's 33rd Congressional District, marked the one-year anniversary of the federal budget law Democrats have labeled the "Big Ugly Bill." He criticized the legislation, saying changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, have left more families struggling to afford groceries.

According to Aguilar's office, the legislation made the largest reduction in federal food assistance funding in U.S. history, affecting more than 4 million Americans nationwide and more than 300,000 Californians.

"For many Inland Empire families who lost their CalFresh benefits, these cuts mean they may not know where their next meal will come from," Aguilar said. "I'm grateful for organizations like the Family Service Association of Redlands that help ensure people in our community don't go hungry."

During a question-and-answer session, Aguilar said the law also increased paperwork and verification requirements for some recipients, creating additional barriers to maintaining CalFresh benefits.

"Instead of having to fill out the application and the income verification once a year, now families have to do it multiple times a year," Aguilar said. "The need is still there whether people have access to the program or not."

Family Service Association Executive Director Kyra Stewart said nonprofits across the region are preparing for increased demand but cannot replace public nutrition assistance programs.

"As a frontline provider, we anticipate these policy changes will increase the demand for emergency food assistance, not just us, but all across the region," Stewart said. "The reality is that none of us could ever fundraise our way out of a reduction in a monthly benefit for all the families across the region."

Stewart said CalFresh benefits remain a critical resource for many working families who must balance grocery costs with rent, utilities and other household expenses.

Despite the challenges, Stewart said Family Service Association remains committed to providing food and other resources to those in need.

"We are here. We are the safety net provider, and we are committed to continue to provide low-barrier resources, especially related to food, for anyone who qualifies and needs the help."

Assistant Director Loida Arriaga highlighted several programs designed to meet local need, including its Summer Food and Fun program, which offers free lunches and activities for school-aged children during the summer. The organization also distributes food boxes throughout the summer months and organized an emergency food drive last year when CalFresh benefits were delayed, providing more than 300 food boxes to local families.

The nonprofit serves residents throughout Redlands and neighboring communities through food assistance, housing support and other social service programs.

Aguilar serves as chair of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

View the full press conference here.