Kameron Mims Jones
When Governor Newsom signed SB 1254 into law this fall, California took a major step in addressing food insecurity. Also known as the FRESH Act, this critical piece of legislation will open up doors for thousands of Californians by streamlining access to SNAP/CalFresh. In a legislative session marked by a significant number of vetoes, the approval of this bill stands out as a meaningful win for the people of our state.
We recognize that the world feels more uncertain. And while we are not here to challenge those feelings, SB 1254 stands as a testament that progress is still possible. It highlights the power of shared values within California’s diverse communities—communities deeply impacted by the criminal legal system and historically excluded from opportunities to raise awareness about their struggles.
Did you know that more than four in five Californians who have been incarcerated, or have a household member who has been, say they often or sometimes worried about running out of food in the past year?
SB 1254 helps address that issue by creating a framework for California counties to streamline access to SNAP/CalFresh, the largest nutrition assistance program in the state, for individuals exiting correctional facilities.
Currently, the application process is complex, and justice-impacted individuals face logistical barriers that delay their ability to receive food assistance. Compared to other states, California has struggled with enrolling eligible individuals—this is where the FRESH Act comes in.
The implementation of SB 1254 will begin next year as the California Department of Social Services submits waivers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the 58 counties across the state. There is also a workgroup, that will meet and make recommendations on how to create a statewide reentry process that will be accountable to citizens of California.
As an advocate for food security and one of the lead organizations behind this bill, I see SB 1254 as a practical, impactful measure that meets a critical need. One of the most moving aspects of this campaign was standing alongside a colleague in the coalition, someone directly impacted by incarceration, as she shared her personal experience with lawmakers. Her story moved hearts, votes and helped bring this legislation to life. This moment reminded me of the coalition’s power—not just to advocate for change, but to create spaces where those most affected lead the charge.
Access to nutritious food is fundamental for successful reentry. It provides stability, which supports recovery, sobriety, and long-term health. Justice-impacted individuals leaving incarceration face a multitude of challenges: finding employment, securing housing, managing health expenses, and often supporting family members.
With stable access to food, each of these challenges becomes easier to overcome. CalFresh benefits offer a foundation that allows reentering individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives instead of worrying about where they will find their next meal. SB 1254 ensures that each of those eligible individuals receives those benefits.
The impact of SB 1254 will be felt statewide, helping Californians from an array of different backgrounds and communities. The desire is for a process that would provide near-immediate access to food and supportive services such as job training and education; long term, this policy will reduce recidivism, and set an example for broader reform efforts in reentry services across California.
By providing access to nutrition, the FRESH Act goes beyond strengthening food security; it helps create the conditions for successful reintegration and breaks down barriers for our neighbors to thrive in their transition back to their communities.
The coalition behind SB 1254 is a testament to what happens when shared values are coupled with action. Together, we have not only shaped a policy, but also reshaped what it means to support the recovery of individuals and communities impacted by incarceration.
Let this success remind us of the power of collective effort and inspire us to continue raising awareness and driving meaningful change.
Kameron Mims-Jones is a senior policy advocate with Nourish California, a statewide advocacy organization that works to make California a more equitable place for all who call it home.
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