California is facing a critical situation regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with over five million recipients potentially at risk of losing benefits starting November 1 due to a governmental standstill.
Central California Food Bank CEO Natalie Caples highlighted that 720,000 individuals in the region rely on SNAP for purchasing groceries and may experience delays in their benefits. The Fresno County Department of Social Services warned that approximately $46 million in CalFresh benefits could be affected if issues aren’t resolved by October 23.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of the California National Guard to assist food banks during this crisis. The Central California Food Bank continues its Groceries-2-Go program, which provides essential food items to those in need. Volunteers, like Linda Harris, have noted an increase in hunger and demand for food resources amid cuts in funding.
The food bank may call upon the National Guard if the need surpasses what volunteers can manage.
