What is this bill about?
SB 1254 will allow and assist incarcerated people in applying for CalFresh benefits up to 90 days before their release to better prepare them for reentry.
How does it align with yli’s values?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—called CalFresh in California —is the largest food assistance program in the nation. However, California has historically had a low ranking on the United State’s Department of Agriculture’s statewide ranking for eligible households to enroll and participate in food stamps, due in part to barriers to acquiring CalFresh for all applicants.
In 2019, roughly 20% of formerly incarcerated people suffered from food insecurity. This is double the rate of the general population.
At yli, we have witnessed first hand the brutal impacts of our state’s harmful “justice” system on their lives, and the lives of their families. In addition, our youth leaders across the state have fought for access to healthy foods, uncovering racist patterns of food distribution in their communities. We are staunch advocates for measures that support our incarcerated loved ones to return home with the supports they need to recover and participate fully in their lives.
SB 1254 requires the California Department of Social Services to pre-enroll incarcerated individuals in CalFresh prior to their release, helping to reduce food insecurity upon reentry.
This policy aligns with our Racial Justice and Health Justice Platforms, which address the impacts of the carceral system and lack of access to healthy foods on communities of color.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter endorsing this bill, and we are showing our support on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Who supports this bill?
- Legal Services for Prisoners with Children-All of Us or None (Sponsor)
- Nourish California (Co-Sponsor)
- Justice in Aging