Millions of people receiving food assistance will lose benefits next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, prompting local leaders in Barstow, California, to prepare for potential fallout. The Barstow Police Department announced increased patrols around grocery and convenience stores as a preventive measure to ensure public safety and deter theft.
In California, approximately 1.5 million families in Los Angeles and over 5 million statewide rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in the state. If the federal shutdown persists, benefits may end on November 1.
To assist affected families, L.A. Care Health Plan has committed $5.4 million for food support, distributing funds to local organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Additionally, L.A. County officials allocated $10 million to expand food resources, along with contributions from various county departments to bolster food programs.
Residents facing food insecurity can find resources online or call 211 for help. Amidst this crisis, President Trump hinted at potential funding solutions for SNAP, though specifics are unclear. California and over 20 other states are suing the federal administration for allegedly failing to fund SNAP during the shutdown.
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