{"id":29482,"date":"2025-11-01T08:14:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T15:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=29482"},"modified":"2025-11-01T08:14:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T15:14:59","slug":"cdfa-kicks-off-california-state-employees-food-drive-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2025\/11\/01\/cdfa-kicks-off-california-state-employees-food-drive-early\/","title":{"rendered":"CDFA kicks off California State Employees Food Drive – Early!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/a>
Learn more at the State Employees Food Drive website: https:\/\/www.fooddrive.ca.gov\/<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) leads the State Employees Food Drive, raising food, funds and awareness regarding hunger issues in our state. California produces nearly half of the nation\u2019s fruits and vegetables, yet more than 1 in 5 Californians \u2014 about 8.8 million \u2014 currently struggle with food insecurity. Last year, state employees donated over $111,000, as well as 30,270 pounds of food, 1,120 turkeys and 1,477 volunteer hours to food banks around the state!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the federal government shutdown, more than 5 million Californians are at risk of losing access to CalFresh benefits or experiencing delays beginning today, November 1, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that 13.5% of Californians \u2013 many families with children \u2013 will have to choose between paying bills or buying food.  Demands on food banks are expected to spike; we can help meet those demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official start of the food drive was set for November 10, but due to the added urgency this year, we are accepting donations starting today, Nov. 1, 2025 through January 9, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how state employees can participate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Find a local Food Bank<\/a> of your choosing and\n