The federal government shutdown has affected millions of Americans across the country. Now, in Los Angeles, Gov. Gavin Newsom is warning that food benefits for Californians who rely on CalFresh cards will be delayed in November. CalFresh benefits are federally funded and support around 5.5 million Californians.
On Oct. 22, Newsom announced he would deploy the state’s National Guard, as well as volunteers, on a humanitarian mission to support food banks. The California National Guard is not acting as law enforcement in this capacity. In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsom also deployed the state’s National Guard to support food banks.
“This is serious, this is urgent — and requires immediate action,” Newsom said. “Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps. I’m expediting state funds for food banks and directing the California National Guard and California Volunteers to help distribute this food to families. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, California is working to ensure CalFresh recipients don’t go hungry while food prices are spiking under President Trump.”…