{"id":30897,"date":"2026-05-18T16:47:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T23:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=30897"},"modified":"2026-05-18T16:48:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T23:48:02","slug":"secretary-karen-ross-celebrated-as-anti-hunger-champion-at-2026-food-access-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2026\/05\/18\/secretary-karen-ross-celebrated-as-anti-hunger-champion-at-2026-food-access-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Secretary Karen Ross Celebrated as Anti-Hunger Champion at 2026 Food ACCESS Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Secretary Karen Ross (pictured, center) is recognized by the California Association of Food Banks as a 2026 Anti-Hunger Champion – Administrator Award.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized today by the California Association of Food Banks <\/a>as a 2026 Anti-Hunger Champion during the organization\u2019s Food ACCESS Conference luncheon in Sacramento.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secretary Ross received the Anti-Hunger Champion Award \u2014 Administrator Award at the 2026 Food ACCESS Conference, honoring her leadership and ongoing commitment to improving food access and supporting Californians experiencing food insecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosted biennially by the California Association of Food Banks, Food ACCESS brings together advocates, food bankers, policymakers, philanthropists, and community leaders from across California and the nation to address the hunger epidemic and advance solutions for a hunger-free California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s conference, held May 18\u201319 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, features interactive workshops, discussion groups, plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and Capitol Action Day activities focused on expanding food access and addressing the root causes of hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her remarks, Secretary Ross emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among state agencies, food banks, farmers, and community partners to ensure all Californians have access to nutritious food. Secretary Ross also reflected on longstanding partnerships between California agriculture and food banks, highlighting efforts to \u201cturn excess into access\u201d by connecting surplus healthy food with Californians in need. She also emphasized continued investments in resilient local food systems, farm-to-family programs, and community food infrastructure across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the remarks by Secretary Ross<\/p>\n\n\n\n