Rep. Aguilar Highlights Importance of the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind

July 09, 2026 Press Releases Rep. Aguilar Highlights Importance of the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind Through the Randolph-Sheppard Program, Rep. Aguilar’s grandfather managed and operated the cafeteria in the historic San Bernardino County Courthouse for years SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) visited the San Bernardino County Courthouse and met with Gloria Blanco, a participant in the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind, to highlight the program’s importance. Enacted in 1936, the Randolph-Sheppard Act created a program to help blind individuals gain employment and economic independence through managing food facilities on federal property, such as vending machines, snack bars and cafeterias. Rep. Aguilar’s grandfather operated the cafeteria at the San Bernardino County Courthouse through the Randolph-Sheppard Program, where Rep. Aguilar worked bussing tables. A 20-year participant in the Randolph-Sheppard Program managing several successful facilities throughout Southern California, Gloria Blanco credits the program with transforming her life and providing the opportunity to build a successful business while serving her community. You can find photos from the visit above and here . “The Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind has benefited my own family and thousands of other families across the country for decades,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar . “Beyond employment, this incredible program gives blind entrepreneurs like Gloria freedom, dignity and financial independence to build their lives and businesses. I’m a proud supporter of the Randolph-Sheppard Program, and I’ll keep advocating for it in Congress to ensure it continues to benefit blind individuals for generations to come.” “For 90 years, the Randolph-Sheppard Act has changed the lives of thousands of blind Americans by replacing dependence with opportunity,” said Max Duarte, Chair, California Vendors Policy Committee (CVPC) . “For the past 24 years, this program has allowed me to provide for my family, build a successful business, and give back by advocating for other blind entrepreneurs. I am deeply grateful to the generations of leaders who fought to protect this law, and I hope we continue to strengthen it so future generations have the same opportunity to achieve the American dream.” In Congress, as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Aguilar is helping ensure Randolph-Sheppard merchants continue to receive technical support when applying for federal grants. On the 90th anniversary of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, Rep. Aguilar sent a letter in braille to the National Federation of the Blind honoring the program and affirming his continued advocacy for programs that give every individual, regardless of disability, impairment, or life circumstance, the tools they need to succeed. Back To News