From Sacramento to San Diego, a Rapid Response to Keep Food Flowing

www.sandiegofoodbank.org

By San Diego Monitor News Staff

SACRAMENTO — The State of California is allocating $80 million to support food banks as the federal government shutdown threatens to delay CalFresh benefits for millions of residents. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the funding alongside plans to deploy the California National Guard and California Volunteers to help local food banks manage increased demand if federal aid is disrupted.

CalFresh, the state’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly food assistance to about 5.5 million Californians. Because CalFresh is funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the current shutdown has paused the release of November benefits until Congress approves a new spending bill. State officials said the goal of this funding is to keep food resources available to families who might experience delays. The plan directs $80 million in state funds to food banks across all 58 counties. The National Guard and California Volunteers will assist with sorting, packaging, and distributing food. According to the Governor’s Office, these efforts will help “maintain steady access to food assistance during the federal funding pause.”

In San Diego County, several local food banks are preparing for an expected rise in demand. Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank have both confirmed they are coordinating with state officials to determine where additional support will be needed most. Local organizations report that demand for food assistance has already been high due to inflation and rising living costs.

CalFresh recipients have been told that October benefits are not affected. However, if the shutdown continues, November deposits could be delayed. The California Department of Social Services is advising residents to budget carefully and to reach out to community food resources if needed. State officials emphasized that the new funding is a temporary measure intended to bridge the gap until federal operations resume. “We’re focused on ensuring no one goes hungry while federal negotiations continue,” the Governor’s statement said.

As of now, it remains unclear when Congress will approve funding to restart the federal SNAP program. Until that happens, California’s $80 million allocation and volunteer deployments will serve as the state’s short-term response to maintain food access for residents.