Urgent Alert: Food Bank Faces Shutdown Fallout, Community Needs Help Now
UPDATE: As the federal government shutdown enters its third day, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties is sounding the alarm over potential disruptions to vital food assistance programs. While CalFresh benefits will still be issued in October, officials warn that a prolonged shutdown could jeopardize payments in November.
Food Bank President and CEO Caitlin Sly urges recipients to prepare: “If you receive CalFresh, we recommend trying to stretch your October benefit into November,” she stated on the organization’s website. This recommendation comes as many CalFresh recipients already struggle to make their benefits last throughout the month.
The Food Bank is grappling with a rising demand for assistance exacerbated by inflation and recent cuts to nutrition aid. Sly highlighted the impact of HR1, which slashes $200 billion from food benefits, calling it, “bigger than any cuts we’ve ever seen in the history of the SNAP program.” This drastic reduction in support has left many families in distress, especially with the ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite current stability through October, Sly warns that if the shutdown persists, “some of our neighbors will likely need more support from the Food Bank.” The ripple effects of the shutdown could impact local communities, particularly as many federal government employees, contractors, and military families in the region face potential furloughs and delayed paychecks.
With urgency, Sly points out that the timing of the shutdown is critical: “It couldn’t come at a worse time.” The community is already facing fears and uncertainties, and many residents are “one or two missed paychecks away from making hard choices between mortgage payments and essentials like food.”
The Food Bank is bracing for a surge in requests for emergency food assistance. Historical data from the 2018-2019 shutdown indicates that demand increased significantly during that period, despite public benefits remaining intact. “We are keeping an eye out on that,” Sly noted, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness among those who might be affected.
In response to these mounting challenges, the Food Bank is actively encouraging community support. “Anyone who loses their job can spiral into needing services for the first time,” Sly explained. The organization has been a lifeline for the community for over 50 years, and they are calling on the public for donations, volunteer support, and advocacy.
Residents looking to help can contribute financially or volunteer their time. The Food Bank’s multilingual CalFresh outreach team remains available throughout the shutdown to assist with questions and new applications. They can be contacted at [email protected] or (925) 603-3316.
As the situation unfolds, the Food Bank is committed to its mission of serving those in need, but they cannot do it alone. The community’s support is more vital now than ever.
