In This Issue

  

Sam Karp is retiring from the Board and stepping down as Chair after a decade in the position. The organization thrived under Sam's leadership, as his policy guidance helped shape a number of CFPA's successful legislative efforts and his fiscal stewardship helped increase the organization's financial strength and stability. Sam was particularly influential in shaping CFPA's strategic vision for ensuring that CalFresh is a critical component of health coverage, health care, and healthy lifestyles. His retirement from the Board coincides with his retirement from the California Health Care Foundation at the end of the year.

Ed Steinman is also retiring from the Board of Directors after 21 years of service. Ed, a professor of law at Santa Clara University, was instrumental in founding CFPA in 1992. Ed helped shape and signed the founding bylaws that established the organization. His close work with co-founder Ken Hecht helped put the fledgling organization on a path to long-term success. Over the years Ed has made many contributions to CFPA's work, most notable was his leadership on improving senior nutrition. So dedicated to the cause and organization, Ed spent his sabbatical from the university at CFPA developing policy recommendations to end senior hunger.

Valerie Ruelas, MSW has been selected to lead CFPA as Chair of the Board of Directors. Valerie is the Director of Policy for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Obesity Center and the Director of the Community Diabetes Initiative of the University of Southern California - Keck School of Medicine. She brings years of experience in health research, policy, and management to her new role. "I'm honored to serve CFPA in this new capacity. I look forward to seizing this opportunity to continue CFPA's 20-year legacy of policy change and leadership in fighting hunger and improving nutrition" said Ruelas. Valerie joined the Board in 2008.

CFPA is grateful for the guidance of our talented and committed Board of Directors. With their diverse backgrounds, the Board brings skills and perspectives from the areas of academia, government, social services and public health. Term limits and expectations for Board service were established in 2013.

See a full membership list of CFPA's Board of Directors. link

Questions about CFPA's Board of Directors can be directed to George Manalo-LeClair at 510.433.1122 ext. 103

CFPA is very excited to introduce the newest member of our advocacy team - Jeannie Wakamatsu. Based out of our Los Angeles office, Jeannie will co-lead efforts to improve the nutritional quality and appeal of school meals in school districts across LA County, as well as play a role in informing our statewide REAL School Food Initiative.

Prior to joining CFPA, Jeannie oversaw nutrition programs for CalFresh recipients as a Program Specialist for the Network for Healthy California and helped one local school district launch its own school wellness committee. She is a registered dietician and received her MPH from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is also an adjunct faculty member at East Los Angeles Community College.

We're thrilled to welcome Jeannie to the CFPA team! Starting November 1st, you can contact Jeannie at 213.482.8200 or [email protected].

Conferees met yesterday to begin Farm Bill negotiations in an effort to reconcile differences between the House and Senate proposal. Four California Representatives have been appointed to the Conference Committee: Jim Costa (D), Gloria Negrete-McLeod (D),Jeff Denham (R), and Ed Royce (D). Over the next few weeks it's critical that advocates reach out to the offices of the California Conference Committee members and tell them to oppose the SNAP cuts.

Learn more about recent Farm Bill negotiations. link

Questions? Contact Kerry Birnbach at 510.433.1122 ext. 110