VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — Thousands of families across Ventura County could soon face even greater challenges putting food on the table, as local leaders warn of significant cuts to key nutrition programs.
Food Share Ventura County says a proposed 90 percent reduction to California’s CalFood funding—combined with expected federal cuts to SNAP benefits (known as CalFresh in California)—could dramatically strain already stretched resources, leading to longer lines and fewer supplies at local food distributions.
At a recent food distribution event at Oxnard College Park, the need was undeniable. Hundreds of cars lined up for hours, with some families waiting more than four hours just to receive groceries for the week.
For Marisol Ambriz, who works in the fields picking strawberries, the struggle is deeply personal.
“I’m in my car alone and I cry. I cry. It’s sad,” she said.
Despite helping harvest food for others, Ambriz says she often can’t afford enough for her own family.
“It’s frustrating. You pay the rent and you don’t have enough. Sometimes my daughter says, ‘Mama, I want a hamburger,’ and you can’t,” she explained.
Her situation could worsen if the proposed CalFood cuts move forward.
Food Share Ventura County reports that CalFood currently makes up about 35 percent of its food purchasing budget, helping supply fresh produce, protein, and pantry staples to more than 200 partner agencies countywide.
“The unfortunate thing is, when there’s an increase in demand and a decrease in resources, something has to give,” said Monica White, the organization’s president and CEO.
At the same time, reductions in SNAP benefits are expected to push even more families to seek help from food banks.
“SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal that the food bank provides,” White said. “If people aren’t getting that support, they’re going to need to get it somewhere else—and that’s when they come to us.”
The surge in demand is already evident. Food Share distributes more than 21 million pounds of food annually to over 250,000 people—a number that has tripled since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of those relying on assistance are working families, seniors, and individuals facing rising costs for housing, fuel, and basic necessities.
“Everything is skyrocketing,” said Oxnard resident Lupe Fernandez, who is supporting a family of six while dealing with a recent stroke. “It’s harder to provide.”
For others, the distributions offer critical relief.
“I think the best thing is just to come here and get what you can that’s free,” said Yolanda Ybarra.
Antonio Amezcua added that the weekly groceries can save his family up to $120 a month—money that can go toward rent or other essentials.
“If the rent increases, we can survive paying it,” he said.
But without restored funding, that support may shrink. Food banks across California are now urging lawmakers to allocate $110 million to the CalFood program in the upcoming state budget.
Local leaders warn that if funding is not restored, the impact could be immediate: fewer distributions, reduced food supplies, and more families going without.
State officials are expected to revisit the proposed cuts in the May budget revision.
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