LA Safety Net Stretched Thin: Foundation Pivots to Long-Term Solutions Amid SNAP Uncertainty

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 31, 2025 – The California Community Foundation (CCF) is bolstering its support for Los Angeles County residents facing potential cuts to vital food assistance benefits, as a recent threat to federal CalFresh (SNAP) funding highlighted the fragility of the region’s social safety net. While recent judicial rulings have temporarily stalled potential benefit suspensions, the CCF is responding with a two-pronged approach: immediate emergency aid and a significant investment in long-term solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity.

Immediate Relief, Lingering Concerns

The potential suspension of CalFresh benefits, impacting over 1.5 million Los Angeles County residents, sparked widespread concern among both aid organizations and those relying on the assistance. The CCF’s ‘Impact Fund’ swiftly mobilized resources to support partner organizations like the LA Regional Food Bank, providing critical funds to meet the anticipated surge in demand. “We knew that even a temporary disruption in benefits would have a devastating impact on families already struggling to make ends meet,” said a spokesperson for the CCF. “Our initial focus was on ensuring that food banks and other direct service providers had the resources to handle the immediate crisis.”

However, the temporary reprieve secured through legal challenges doesn’t alleviate the underlying vulnerability. The ongoing legal battle over data privacy requirements, pitting California against the federal government, and continued threats of government shutdowns, create ongoing uncertainty. “The constant threat of these cuts creates a climate of instability for our clients,” explained a food bank director. “It’s not just about the immediate loss of benefits; it’s the anxiety and stress it creates for families who are already facing significant challenges.” Demand for food assistance in Los Angeles County has been steadily increasing, with organizations reporting a significant uptick in requests even before the recent funding scare. The LA Regional Food Bank, for example, saw demand increase substantially in the past year, mirroring a trend observed across the county.

Beyond Emergency Aid: A Systemic Shift

Recognizing that emergency aid alone is not a sustainable solution, the CCF is increasingly focused on investing in long-term systemic changes to address the underlying causes of food insecurity. The ‘Impact Fund’ is strategically allocated to support programs and initiatives that address issues such as affordable housing, job training, and access to healthcare—all of which play a critical role in improving food security. “We’ve realized that simply providing food isn’t enough,” explained a CCF program officer. “We need to address the systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing nutritious food in the first place.”

The foundation is prioritizing investments in community-based organizations that are working to address these systemic issues. This includes funding for programs that provide job training and placement services, affordable housing development, and access to healthcare. The CCF is also investing in advocacy efforts to promote policies that support food security, such as increasing funding for SNAP and expanding access to affordable housing. This shift reflects a broader trend in philanthropy, with foundations increasingly recognizing the need to move beyond simply addressing the symptoms of social problems to addressing the root causes.

The LA Regional Food Bank: A Critical Partner

The LA Regional Food Bank is a critical partner in the CCF’s efforts to combat food insecurity. The food bank serves over 800,000 people each month, distributing millions of pounds of food through a network of partner agencies. The recent increase in demand has put a strain on the food bank’s resources, but the CCF’s support has been instrumental in helping them meet the challenge. “The CCF has been a steadfast partner in our efforts to fight hunger in Los Angeles County,” said a food bank spokesperson. “Their support has allowed us to expand our programs and reach more people in need.”

The partnership between the CCF and the LA Regional Food Bank extends beyond financial support. The two organizations are also collaborating on advocacy efforts to promote policies that support food security. They are working together to raise awareness of the challenges faced by food-insecure families and to advocate for policies that will address these challenges. “We believe that collaboration is essential to solving the problem of hunger,” explained a CCF representative. “By working together, we can achieve greater impact than we could achieve alone.”

CCF’s commitment to addressing basic needs, building economic opportunity, creating safe communities, ensuring communities have a voice and supporting healing and renewal, all contribute to their holistic and long-term strategy for food security in Los Angeles County. Their response to the CalFresh uncertainty underscores the importance of proactive philanthropy and the vital role that foundations can play in strengthening the social safety net during times of crisis.