URGENT UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the deployment of the California National Guard to assist food banks as a federal government shutdown threatens to delay essential food assistance for millions. This decisive action comes as the California Department of Social Services warns that nearly 5.5 million low-income residents may not receive their CalFresh benefits for November if the shutdown persists.
Newsom’s announcement, made on October 25, 2023, includes a provision of $80 million in state funds to support local food banks in their efforts to mitigate the impending crisis. The governor expressed his outrage on social media, stating, “The Republican Government Shutdown is about to delay food benefits for MILLIONS of California families. I am deploying the National Guard on a humanitarian mission to support CA’s food banks. Donald Trump is using millions of Americans as political pawns. It’s disgusting.”
If no federal resolution is achieved by Thursday, October 26, 2023, those who applied for CalFresh between October 16 and October 31 will find themselves without crucial assistance, including nearly 3.5 million children and elderly individuals who rely on these benefits. California distributes approximately $1.1 billion in CalFresh benefits every month, highlighting the critical nature of this support.
While October’s benefits have already been allocated, disruptions loom for new applicants. Beneficiaries of the California Food Assistance Program, which supports eligible noncitizens unable to access federal aid, are also expected to face delays.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has not provided direct comments regarding this crisis but has issued a memo on October 10, citing insufficient funds for November due to the ongoing budget impasse.
In response to the shutdown, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins claimed that Democrats are prioritizing “free health care for illegal aliens” over food security for American families. This statement reflects ongoing partisan tensions surrounding the shutdown, which has sparked blame on both sides regarding its causes.
With nearly 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity in 2023, local food banks are already reacting. In San Diego County, home to the largest military population in the state, officials are setting up pop-up food banks to address the urgent needs of service members and federal employees affected by the shutdown.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the federal government to see if a resolution can be reached. The implications for food security in California are significant, and the deployment of the National Guard underscores the gravity of this humanitarian crisis.
Stay tuned for further updates as California navigates this urgent challenge, and share this information to raise awareness about the potential impact on millions of families.
