Where to find local food resources during the federal funding pause
As the government shutdown has slowed funding to various federal assistance programs, CalFresh has been put at risk. This shutdown is felt in San Joaquin County, where roughly 131,000 individuals and 66,000 households depend on the food assistance program. While consistent funding to this program remains uncertain, there are local food pantries that are here to combat food insecurity that the community faces.
The Emergency Food Bank, located downtown on 7 W. Scotts Avenue, has been a longtime provider for the community. The food pantry serves Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and you must provide a photo ID with current county address. Founded in 1968, this nonprofit organization has offered a supply of food to residents of San Joaquin County and nutrition education. The purpose of the nutrition education program is to provide workshops to underserved individuals and families about the importance of healthy meal planning. In addition to the food pantry and education this organization provides, there are also gardening workshops. Communities in urban areas, such as Stockton, have been turning towards community gardens as a source for fresh, locally grown produce—saving money and encouraging community participation…