SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he will deploy the National Guard to support food banks amidst an ongoing government shutdown now in its fourth week. California will also be fast-tracking $80 million in state funds in response to funding delays triggered by the government shutdown.
The financial assistance to food banks comes as millions of Californians are expected to see their SNAP benefits delayed next month as the shutdown continues with no end in sight.
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Newsom’s office was clear that he would not be deploying the California National Guard in a law enforcement capacity, but rather in support of food banks. Newsom deployed the guard in a similar capacity once before in March 2020 in the midst of the pandemic.
“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract — it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths,” said Newsom in a statement. “This is serious, this is urgent — and requires immediate action. 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.”…