State Budget to Bring Big Changes for CalFresh! 
The enacted 2014-15 state budget, signed by the Governor on Friday, June 20, includes several changes that will positively impact CalFresh households.
CalFresh Gross Income Test Raised
Beginning on July 1, 2014 the state budget increases the gross income test to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the TANF and state MOE-funded service that confers modified categorical eligibility for all CalFresh households. Instead of only households that receive or are eligible to receive Medi-Cal. Essentially this change will raise the gross income test from the current 130% FPL to 200% FPL for all CalFresh households. Households must still meet the net income test of 100% FPL.
Learn more about changes to the CalFresh gross income test. link
CalFresh Drug Felon Ban Eliminated
Beginning on April 1, 2015 the budget repeals the lifetime ban on CalFresh benefits for individuals convicted of a drug felony, as long as they are complying with the conditions of their probation or parole. This change will help ensure that Californians have access to the nutrition resources necessary for a successful re-entry.
Learn more about the repeal of the CalFresh drug felon ban. link
CalFresh Heat and Eat Continues
The budget includes an investment of $10.5 million from the General Fund to provide a state-funded energy assistance subsidy to CalFresh households. This investment was necessary to comply with recent federal changes regarding the minimum energy assistance benefit that must be received by a household in order to access the standard utility allowance (SUA). This change will result in the continuation of the state's Heat and Eat Program for those CalFresh households who would benefit most. This program is estimated to increase household monthly food budgets by an average of $62 for over 320,000 families.
Learn more about changes to Heat and Eat. link
CFPA applauds the Governor for taking these important steps toward increasing CalFresh access and participation!
Read the enacted budget summary. PDF
Questions? Contact Alexis Fern�ndez at 510.433.1122 ext. 111
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 Federal Advocacy Survey Results: Child Nutrition Priorities
In January 2014, CFPA distributed a web-based survey in an effort to better understand our partners' federal advocacy priorities for the child nutrition programs, including meals and snacks served at early childhood settings, schools, and programs outside of school hours. The responses collected from the survey, along with other sources of input, will be used to inform CFPA's Federal Advocacy Agenda on Child Nutrition, which we expect to finalize later this year.
Read the results. PDF
Questions? Contact Elyse Homel Vitale at 510.433.1122 ext. 206
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