California Attorney General Rob Bonta participated in a volunteer event with Feeding San Diego, working alongside College Corps fellows to highlight the role of AmeriCorps-supported programs in California communities. Feeding San Diego is a hunger-relief and food rescue organization that benefits from volunteers placed through programs like College Corps, which is funded by AmeriCorps.
AmeriCorps provides support to national and state community service initiatives by placing volunteers in organizations that address needs such as hunger, education, homelessness, and health care. In 2024, over 6,000 AmeriCorps members served at more than 1,200 locations across California.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration attempted to dismantle AmeriCorps and reduce its funding. In response, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit and secured relief to ensure that AmeriCorps service members could continue their work during the holiday season and beyond.
“There is no greater gift that you can give than your time, and this holiday season, I’m grateful for the thousands of college students who are giving back to their communities as fellows through California’s College Corps,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “When we file litigation against the federal government, it’s not about politics — it’s about protecting California’s progress, its values, and its future. I’m grateful this work has supported vital organizations like Feeding San Diego and their ability to continue to deliver much-needed services to their community. California will continue to have your back, as Californians continue to give back, in big ways and small, this month and year-round.”
Patty O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer at Feeding San Diego added: “College Corps Fellows play an essential role in our work, especially as food insecurity rises across our region. This partnership not only helps us serve more neighbors, more effectively—it also provides students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real impact in their community.”
AmeriCorps operates as an independent federal agency focused on engaging Americans in community-based service addressing educational, public safety, and environmental needs. In 2024 alone, AmeriCorps invested over $133 million in federal funds for California initiatives that support local partners working on various challenges.
In April 2025, Attorney General Bonta co-led a multistate coalition of Attorneys General in suing the Trump Administration over attempts to cut AmeriCorps funding. The legal action resulted in an early court order blocking these cuts. The lawsuit was later expanded when additional funds were withheld; ultimately the administration agreed to release $184 million rather than defend its actions further.
Attorney General Bonta has challenged the Trump Administration in court 48 times over 45 weeks on issues including constitutional rights protections; public safety; school funding; transportation grants; homeland security grants; and data privacy for Medicaid and SNAP recipients. These lawsuits have resulted in both temporary relief measures and permanent injunctions benefiting Californians.
Further information about these efforts can be found at https://oag.ca.gov/federal-accountability.
