Historic first legislation by a Fil-Am assemblywoman broadens food assistance program
California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza's Bill Addresses Food Insecurity Among Vulnerable Populations
In a significant move towards addressing food insecurity, California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza has successfully passed her first piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 553 (AB 553), into law. This bill aims to improve the nutritional support for low-income Californians, particularly those from the Filipino American community, who experience some of the highest rates of food insecurity among Asian American groups in the state.
Prior to this bill, CalFresh recipients were prohibited from purchasing hot or prepared meals with their benefits unless a federal waiver was granted. This limitation often left vulnerable populations, such as the unhoused, seniors, and people with disabilities, without access to nutritious meals during disasters like wildfires and floods. AB 553 removes the requirement for the California Department of Social Services to seek federal waivers before expanding food options, thus allowing for permanent access to hot and prepared foods through CalFresh.
Advocates hail AB 553 as a step towards improving the dignity and privacy of recipients while ensuring they receive adequate nutrition, especially during disaster recovery. While detailed impact data specific to Filipino Americans is pending, the bill is widely viewed as a commonsense and necessary solution to help communities disproportionately affected by hunger, including the Filipino American community.
AB 553 is significant for Filipino Americans and other Asian communities disproportionately affected by hunger. Frank Tamborello, executive director of Hunger Action Los Angeles, stated that AB 553 makes nutritious, affordable, prepared food truly accessible to vulnerable groups. Shimica Gaskins, president and CEO of End Child Poverty California, emphasized that AB 553 ensures the dignity and privacy of every Californian in the grocery line and continues to maximize hot foods that are critical following disasters.
Caloza, who made history as the first Filipina elected to the California State Assembly in December 2024, has a background in public service. Prior to entering politics, she served in the US Department of Education, Public Works Commissioner in the City of Los Angeles, and as Deputy Chief of Staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Her legislative agenda focuses on economic justice, immigrant advocacy, and community empowerment.
In addition to AB 553, Caloza has introduced legislation to support disaster relief and small business recovery during times of crisis. Nearly 5.5 million Californians depend on CalFresh, California's primary defense against hunger, serving as a public-private partnership that boosts the purchasing power of low-income households. In 2024, CalFresh benefits totaled $12.5 billion, generating up to $22.4 billion in economic activity.
The California Filipino American community now numbers over 1.6 million, making it the largest Filipino population outside the Philippines. Caloza's election is part of a broader trend of rising Filipino American political representation in California. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 553 into law, marking a historic and meaningful legislative step towards expanding food access, providing critical support for low-income Californians’ nutritional needs, and addressing systemic barriers that have contributed to food insecurity within Asian American communities in California, notably Filipino Americans.
- California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza has a background in education and self-development, as she served in the US Department of Education before entering politics.
- AB 553, passed by Assemblymember Caloza, aims to support health-and-wellness and nutrition by improving the nutritional support for low-income Californians, particularly the Filipino American community.
- The bill addresses policy-and-legislation that restricts CalFresh recipients from purchasing hot or prepared meals, which often leaves vulnerable populations without access to nutritious meals during disasters.
- AB 553's goal for permanent access to hot and prepared foods through CalFresh is deemed as a part of career-development for Assemblymember Caloza, who aims to prioritize economic justice.
- In addition to food security, Assemblymember Caloza has also introduced legislation to support disaster relief and small business recovery, showing her commitment to general-news issues related to personal-growth and community empowerment.
- The passing of AB 553 is significant for women's health and parenting, as it ensures the dignity and privacy of every Californian and addresses systemic barriers that have contributed to food insecurity within Asian American communities, notably Filipino Americans.
