Recent federal policy changes are reshaping how families access nutrition benefits and creating new challenges for schools, community organizations, and advocates working to combat food insecurity. In California, the impacts are being felt through CalFresh, the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves millions of children and families each year.
This session will examine recently enacted federal legislation and policy changes, including provisions within H.R. 1 and the July 2025 reinterpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), and explore how these developments may affect access to nutrition programs for children and families. Participants will learn how changes to CalFresh eligibility, benefit access, and public charge concerns may influence participation in school meal programs and other federal nutrition supports.
The session will also discuss how increased confusion around eligibility, data sharing concerns, and immigration-related fears can discourage families from applying for CalFresh, completing meal applications, or participating in other benefit programs. These trends have implications for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) rates, Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding, cafeteria revenue, and overall student access to nutritious meals.
While school meals remain available to all students regardless of immigration status, schools are increasingly being asked to navigate complex questions from families about eligibility, confidentiality, and the relationship between nutrition programs and immigration policy.
Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to: • Understand recent federal policy changes and their implications for CalFresh and school nutrition programs. • Support families with accurate information and trusted resources. • Strengthen outreach efforts and build trust within immigrant and mixed-status communities. • Advocate for equitable policies that protect access to nutrition programs for children and families. • Partner across sectors to ensure students continue receiving the nutrition support they need to learn and thrive.
Together, we will explore how schools, community organizations, and advocates can respond to these evolving challenges while advancing equity, food access, and student well-being.
