California Food Banks Brace for Surge as CalFresh Payments Pause

Food banks across California are bracing for a significant surge in demand as CalFresh, the state's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), faces a pause due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Organizations such as the Family Service Association of Redlands and Jewish Family Service are mounting emergency food distributions to support families and individuals impacted by the disruption, including government workers without paychecks. Food banks in regions like the Bay Area, Central Valley, Yolo, San Bernardino, and San Diego are expanding their services and adding extra food distributions to meet the expected increase in need. Many recipients are working-class individuals who rely on these benefits as a crucial supplement to their food security. Community groups are also appealing for donations and support to maintain food supplies during this period, as the shutdown delays benefit payments with no clear end in sight. The situation highlights the widespread impact of the shutdown on food insecurity, affecting a diverse population beyond the traditionally recognized vulnerable groups.