November 20^th, 2018:

Please mark your calendar for a week from today—Giving Tuesday. HALA will be again asking your help with donations to keep the SSI Market Match program going to help vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities access great fresh food until they can get CalFresh beginning next summer! Please consider a 5,10,20 or 40 $ donation at: https://www.give65.org/freshfood

1. Help Fire Victims by Bringing Items to Donate to Mar Vista FM
2. Farmworkers Again Have to Work Through Fires
3. Send Comments to Oppose New Public Charge Rules Proposed for Immigrants—Deadline December 10
4. Change in House Ups Pressure to Pass Farm Bill Before End of Year—Fire Prevention and Food Assistance Both In The Bill
5. Update on New SSI Eligibility for CalFresh
6. Next Blind and Low Vision Shoppers Day December 1^st, Crenshaw Farmers Market
7. How Trade Wars and Surplus Production Have Impacted Farming in Recent Months
8. A Guide to Assist Homeless and Low Income Students

November 1st, 2018:

If you haven’t already please get your tickets for the Hunger Action LA annual awards and dinner! This year we’re honoring legendary organizer and activist Nancy Berlin; Santa Monica Farmers Market and food justice pioneer Laura Avery; and community activist Steven Echor. More information and tickets at www.hungeractionla.org/dinnerandawards PS—auction items include one of the first 16 X 20 photos of LeBron James in a Lakers jersey

1. Send Comments to Oppose New Public Charge Rules Proposed for Immigrants: Join Day of Action Saturday Nov 10!
2. Can Congress Manage to Pass A Farm Bill by Christmas?
3. Update on new SSI Eligibility for CalFresh
4. Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Drafts Guidance for How Cities Manage Unsheltered Homelessness: Public Comment Needed by November 2
5. Next Blind and Low Vision Shoppers Day December 1, Crenshaw Farmers Market

September 24, 2018: Multiple Challenges to Ending Hunger as Trump Administration Attacks Needy Immigrants With New Public Charge Proposals

September 24, 2018: Just this past weekend, the Trump administration introduced something they’ve threatened since early last year: their proposal for new rules to change the guidance for “Public Charge.” If these new proposed rules were passed, it would mean that many immigrant families lawfully present here may drop out of programs they need such as CalFresh because their receipt of these benefits may be used against them later as they try to upgrade their immigration status. (It’s important to remember these rules have a long way to go before being finalized and going into effect, and could change drastically, especially if we all comment on them.)

At the same time, our California Governor signed AB 2178, which would make groups doing voluntary, charitable provision of food, for free, to poor people, a crime unless groups registered and paid a fee to the local county health agency.

That kind of food provision would be one of the only avenues open to immigrant families who would avoid government food assistance (if the proposed Public Charge rules pass.) Federal and state government will have issued a double blow against people who want to end hunger.

Again, please remember the new anti-immigrant rules have not been approved yet they have to be officially published first, and after that would follow a period of 60 days in which we the people can flood them with comments. We do expect this to happen very soon though. Be ready with your comments! More details below.

1. Trump Administration Attacks Needy Immigrants With New Public Charge Proposals
2. Governor Signs Bill Requiring Volunteer Groups Feeding Hungry People to Register and Pay Fees: AB 2178

September 13, 2018: Two Phone Calls Needed!

Blind Low Vision Program: Volunteer for Sunday September 16 Blind Low Vision program at Mar Vista Farmers Market! It’s from 10 am to 1 pm at 3826 Grand View Blvd, LA CA 90066. Volunteer to help guide blind customers around the farmers market. Enjoy their company and that of other volunteers! Send your contact info to info@hungeractionla.org to volunteer.

September 2018: While we in California are rejoicing over the news that over a million SSI recipients (seniors and disabled) will finally be eligible for CalFresh next year, threats to the program nationally exist in the form of the Farm Bill, which the House of Representatives have loaded down with work requirements in order to cut $20 billion from the program. Meanwhile, on the state level, the most fundamental food assistance—people voluntarily taking food to the poor and homeless—is threatened by a well intentioned bill that would actually make people register and pay fees in order to participate in this giving.

1. Call Governor to Veto AB 2178 and Pass AB 1871
2. Call In Day Today Sept 13 to Protect SNAP

July 16, 2018,  HALA thanks you all for participating in Give65, a nationwide crowdfunding campaign for programs benefitting seniors. Funds for HALA will go directly to the Senior Market Match program. You can still contribute through the “regular” channel at www.hungeractionla.org/donate. More than ever we need this program to tide over the needs of seniors getting SSI as it will be one more year before they can apply for CalFresh.

We also thank the volunteers and shoppers for the Blind Low Vision Program who came out to Crenshaw Farmers Market this past Saturday!

*Peoples Guides are available in English and Spanish. Place your order at www.hungeractionla.org/peoplesguide

1. 1. Hunger Action LA Sponsoring Forum on Current Hunger and Housing Issues, Tuesday July 31 6:30 pm to 8 pm
2. 2. Farm Bill Update: Senate Passes Its Version of Farm Bill: Next Step is Conference Committee
3. 3. US Threatens Countries Over Support for Breastfeeding
4. 4. California Avoids Disaster on EBT at Farmers Markets Issue

July 9, 2018: HALA is once again participating in Give 65, a nationwide crowdfunding campaign for programs benefitting seniors. Funds for HALA will go directly to the Senior Market Match program. Please visit www.give65.org/freshfood and make a contribution now through Thursday, July 12! More than ever we need this program to tide over the needs of seniors getting SSI as it will be one more year before they can apply for CalFresh.

*With the wide range of issues impacting not just low-income folks, but the overall health and well being of society, we ‘d like to emphasize we can’t solve these issues by narrowly focusing on hunger. Hunger is a symptom of many other factors, from workers rights (shredded to an unprecedented degree by Supreme Court rulings over the past month), water, banking and housing---especially in LA. All of those last three issues will have ballot measures this November, making this a very consequential election at the national, state and local level.

1. 1. Farm Bill Update: Senate Passes Its Version of Farm Bill: Next Step is Conference Committee
2. 2. Volunteers Needed! Blind & Low Vision Day Out at Crenshaw Farmers Market, Saturday July 14
3. 3. California Caves In to Soda Industry: Cities Can’t Pass Soda Taxes for 12 Years
4. 4. The Right To Restore Rent Control Will Be On November Ballot
5. 5. County Will Vote on Safe Clean Water Measure…
6. 6. And LA City Council Will Propose a Public Bank
7. 7. Changes in Immigration Policy Will Intensify Deportations of People Lawfully Here
8. 8. Senator Harris Introduces Fairness for Farm Workers Act
9. 9. Seeds from Syria Can Help Salvage US Grain Producers

The most important food policy in the nation is up for renewal RIGHT NOW!

Join us on Thursday, May 31st for a Party with a Purpose for #ABetterFarmBill at Greenbar Distillery in the Arts District of Downtown LA as part of the LA Times Food Bowl. Learn how the Farm Bill shapes food in Los Angeles and how Angelenos can take action for good food for all. Enjoy specially crafted farm-to-table cocktails by Greenbar Distillery, local eats by Chef Minh Phan and X’Tiousu, and connect with food advocates, all while raising funds for Hunger Action Los Angeles—a grassroots organization that works to end hunger and promote healthy eating.

RSVP or purchase tickets at farmbillmixer.eventbrite.com

Ticket prices vary. Proceeds from tickets purchased benefit Hunger Action Los Angeles and their work to protect programs that address food insecurity including SNAP.

Click to join the waitlist.

What you can expect

▪ Get the latest on the Farm Bill 2018 and find out how you can take action
▪ Raise funds for grassroots organizing to fight hunger in LA
▪ Enjoy locally sourced food from LA's most creative chefs
▪ Network with food enthusiasts and advocates
▪ Learn about how to get involved with the Los Angeles Food Policy Council
▪ Get the latest on the Farm Bill 2018 and find out how you can take action
▪ Prints available for auction donated by noted LA artist/cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz

Lalo Alcaraz ESTAR WARS signed print

REGISTER TODAY

The event is free. All are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

www.farmbillmixer.eventbrite.com

When: Thursday May 31, 2018, 6:30 – 9 pm

Where: Greenbar Distillery

2459 East 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 9002

Food and all-inclusive tickets include:

Delicious eats by Chef Minh Phan and the brothers from X’Tiousu who are teaming up to provide global fusion cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers of color.

Minh Phan is the chef-owner of porridge + puffs. Her new brick + mortar is coming to Hi-Fi (Historic Fillipinotown) early this summer.

X’Tiousu is an Oaxacan-Middle Eastern Restaurant operated and owned by the Santiago brothers, Felipe and Ignacio, in Boyle Heights.

All-inclusive tickets include access to the specialty open bar of craft cocktails as well as local eats. This deal will NOT be available at the door so act fast!

We're partnering with LA Compost and Sustain LA to make this event ZERO food waste. Think Before You Toss and be prepared to scrape uneaten food scraps and napkins into compost collection pails throughout the event!

Agenda

Event Schedule

6:30 pm | Registration and Reception
7:00 pm | Farm Bill Activation and Networking
9:00 pm | Event ends

Spanish language interpretation will be available. If you have inquiries regarding translation and interpretation, please contact Camille at cdelavega@goodfoodla.org.

Already RSVP'd? Good!

Getting to the event

We encourage travel by public transit, rideshare, foot or bike. If you are driving to the event, please plan accordingly as parking is limited.

*We strive to make our events accessible. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Thank you to our event sponsors and partners!

Help us spread the word!

TWEETS

Join @GoodFoodLA on 5/31 for a #PartywithaPurpose for #ABetterFarmBill to raise awareness on the upcoming #FarmBill2018 at Greenbar Distillery as part of the @LAtimes #LAFoodBowl event series! RSVP: farmbillmixer.eventbrite.com

Learn how the #FarmBill2018 effects you. Join @GoodFoodLA for a #PartywithaPurpose for #ABetterFarmBill on 5/31 and find out how you can take action for #GoodFoodforAll. RSVP: farmbillmixer.eventbrite.com #lafoodbowl

Connect with food advocates over craft cocktails while raising funds for Hunger Action LA. Learn about the upcoming FarmBill at @GoodFoodLA's #lafoodbowl event #PartywithaPurpose for #ABetterFarmBill: farmbillmixer.eventbrite.com

FACEBOOK

The Farm Bill is the most important food policy in the nation. Touching everything from farming to food prices, environmental protections, and anti-hunger programs, the Farm Bill impacts the lives of Angelenos in many ways. Come learn how the Farm Bill shapes food in Los Angeles and how Angelenos can take action for good food for all. As part of the LA Times Food Bowl, the Los Angeles Food Policy Council is hosting a Party with a Purpose for #ABetterFarmBill at Greenbar Distillery on Thursday, May 31st in the Arts District of Downtown LA. Check it out: farmbillmixer.eventbrite.com

Don't wait. Make your voice heard on the #FarmBill2018!

Angelenos can be proactive in shaping #ABetterFarmBill. Here are just four ways:

1. Stand behind SNAP/CalFresh.

May is Calfresh Awareness Month, a reminder that individuals can apply to Calfresh via the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services (DPSS) website. If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local CalFresh District Office. There are several locations throughout Los Angeles County.

2. Voice your concerns about the Farm Bill.

Contact your Representative and Senators. You can find your Representative here. California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA) developed fact sheets for each California Representative, which provides relevant information for each district. On the Senate side, you can contact California senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris. You can also contact the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you to your Senate or House representative.

3. Join the coalition.

The Farm to Fork Initiative is assembling a comprehensive list of national, regional and local organizations, businesses and leaders opposed to the House Farm Bill. Organizations can fill out this form, which will add your organization name to a public list of those who oppose cuts to the Farm Bill.

4. Spread the word.

Check out and share this video by Hunger Action LA featuring HALA coalition members. Learn the facts about the Farm Bill, what is at stake for our communities, and help spread the word on why the Farm Bill matters.

About LAFPC Network Events

The LA Food Policy Council Network is a quarterly networking, capacity building and movement building space for changemakers working on food issues. The events feature dynamic presentations, collaborative spaces and networking with the purpose to:

▪ Grow our collective impact to change the food system by building skills, analysis and relationships
▪ Connect people, projects and organizations
▪ Catalyze innovation and address the gaps in our local food system

Interested in volunteering? Sign up to be a volunteer here

© 2018 Los Angeles Food Policy Council | 305 E. 1st Street | Los Angeles, CA 90012

A Call to reject all proposals in the Chairmans' Farm Bill that would result in reduced food assistance to Californians.

Download the doc, or read on…

Download (docx): 
CA_AntiHungerCommunity_OPPOSE_HouseAgChairmanFarmBill_CutsToSNAP.docx