Farmer tax credit extension good news for Contra Costa, Solano Food Bank

A bill extending California’s Farmer to Food Bank Tax Credit won unanimous approval in the state Legislature on Wednesday, a move expected to help food banks across the state, including the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, continue providing fresh, locally grown food to families facing hunger.

Senate Bill 881, authored by state Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, was approved unanimously by the Senate after receiving unanimous approval in the Assembly Monday. The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom. If signed, it would take effect immediately.

For the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the extension comes as demand for food assistance is increasing and federal cuts to nutrition programs put additional pressure on families, officials there said Thursday.

“The Farmer to Food Bank Tax Credit is a win for our entire community,” said Caitlin Sly, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “It supports California farmers while helping food banks like ours provide more locally grown food to neighbors facing hunger.”

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