U.S. Rep. John Garamendi brought a clear and urgent message to the Contra Costa–Solano Food Bank’s Fairfield volunteer center Thursday.
The President Trump-backed “Big Beautiful Bill” is anything but.
Repeatedly dubbing it the “Big Ugly Bill,” Garamendi joined food bank leaders and community advocates to condemn the sweeping cuts included in the legislation — cuts they say would gut vital nutrition programs and devastate millions of Americans, especially the most vulnerable: seniors, children, and low-income families.
During a passionate press conference and tour of the facility, Garamendi and other speakers warned that the bill threatens not just access to food for struggling households, but also school lunch programs, and local farmers whose businesses help feed the country and the world.
“America is a wealthy country. There is no reason for anyone to go hungry,” Garamendi said, pointing to the bill’s deep cuts to social safety nets while simultaneously “handing big tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.”
The event was part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the real-world impact of proposed federal budget changes, as advocates emphasized the human cost hidden behind the politics.
Congressman John Garamendi held a press conference, on Thursday at the Food Bank of Contra Costa/Solano speaking out against what he calls “The Big Ugly Bill” that would cut funding to food programs across the nation. (Chris Riley/The Reporter)
“It doesn’t have to be this way,” Garamendi said. “There is food insecurity in this country that existed even before this bill. And now here in Contra Costa and Solano, we’re going to have hungry people so the ultra-rich can get a tax break. Americans need to know this. Californians need to know this. And those who voted for this bill need to know they made a mistake. In September, we have a chance to rectify it.”
Specifically, he and others pointed to two bills: The Strengthening Local Food Security Act and the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act. They are urging everyone to spread the word and build support for the measures.
Inside the volunteer center, Vacaville resident Elizabeth Camposanto was packaging fruit and said she’s seen firsthand the impact local food programs have on struggling families. “The food bank and other programs provide a place where people can find the food they need,” she said. “It really helps people who don’t have money to buy everything.”
Fellow volunteer Hazel Cabamas of Vallejo agreed: “It helps people a lot,” she said simply.
Hailey Solares, Advocacy and Policy Manager at the food bank, warned the legislation could cut the equivalent of 6 billion meals annually nationwide, which is more than all U.S. food banks combined currently provide.
“We would have to double our work to meet that gap, and no one can realistically do that,” she said. “It’s going to affect seniors, children, and working families —especially here in the Bay Area where the cost of living is already so high. Parents will be forced to choose between feeding their children and paying rent.”
J.P. Contreras, CalFresh Outreach Coordinator, said the bill “guts the program,” and warned that it’s already causing confusion and fear in the community. “People are thinking they’re no longer eligible or that the program is ending,” he said. “And for many immigrants, they’re afraid that applying will put them at risk. That’s why it’s so important to get the word out.”
Congressman John Garamendi tours the Food Bank of Contra Costa/Solano after speaking out against what he calls “The Big Ugly Bill” that would cut funding to food programs across the nation. (Chris Riley/The Reporter)
The human toll of hunger and poverty was made deeply personal by community advocate Laura McLane, who shared her own experience as a survivor.
“I was homeless, addicted, living off ketchup packets and water,” she said. When she finally turned her live around and moved into an apartment, the Camp Fire took it away a month later. That experience, she said, motivated her to advocate for others still struggling.
“My greatest lesson is that you must hurt to know, fall to grow, and the greatest lessons are learned through pain,” she said. “Now, I use my experience to help other mothers.”
Garamendi praised the Food Bank and other food programs for their work and urged them to stay motivated and continue to “educate Americans about the danger of what’s happening.”
Food Bank CEO Caitlin Sly assured him the Food Bank will continue its work.
“We do not have to accept the present reality,” she said. “We can fight for those in need.”
Following his press conference, Garamendi toured the facility asking questions and getting an up close look at the distribution center which supplies hundreds of areas programs that distribute food to those in need.
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