A World Harvest Charities truck with food for donation (Photo – worldharvestfoodbank)
In response to the federal government shutdown delaying food benefits for 5.5 million Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the deployment of the California National Guard and California Volunteers to support food banks across the state.
By News Desk
Governor Newsom is also fast-tracking up to $80 million in state funds to help keep food banks stocked as CalFresh benefits face interruptions starting in late October. This effort echoes similar actions during the COVID-19 pandemic when the National Guard helped distribute over 800 million meals.
“The Trump administration’s shutdown is taking food off people’s tables,” Newsom said. “California is stepping up to fill in the gaps, ensuring families don’t go hungry as food prices rise.”
The National Guard will assist with food distribution but will not act as law enforcement. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized California’s commitment to families affected by federal delays, calling the shutdown “a failure that pulls food from struggling households.”
Major General Matthew P. Beevers and California Volunteers are working alongside state agencies to provide critical support during this urgent humanitarian effort. The shutdown began affecting new CalFresh applicants in mid-October, with all enrollees facing potential benefit delays after October 23 unless federal funding is restored.
As Thanksgiving approaches, California is moving swiftly to safeguard food access for millions amid the ongoing federal impasse.
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