Local governments and nonprofits are attempting to bolster food banks and other resources as the nearly monthlong federal shutdown is about to stop food assistance for more than 1.5 million Los Angeles County residents, officials said Tuesday.
Residents who depend on EBT cards to buy groceries will miss benefits starting Saturday unless Congress resolves the budget deadlock, according to the county. Even with a last-minute deal, the shutdown will delay benefits in November.
County agencies and nonprofit partners are attempting to increase the regional food bank system’s capacity to enable more robust food distribution amid the benefit stoppage. The county has agreed to a $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to significantly expand the organization’s food purchasing capacity for November. The contact also calls for additional pop-up sites and drive-through pantry locations to provide access to more families…