Newsom is deploying the National Guard, CA Volunteers and fast-tracking $80M to help food banks as the Trump shutdown halts food aid.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As the ongoing federal government shutdown begins to delay food benefits for millions of Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday morning announced the deployment of the California National Guard and California Volunteers to support food banks across the state, the Governor’s Press Office said.
The state will also fast-track up to $80 million in funding to help offset disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh in California, which provides food benefits to approximately 5.5 million residents, according to the Governor’s Press Office.
“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.”
The deployment is a humanitarian mission and not related to law enforcement, according to the Governor’s Office.
National Guard members routinely assist state agencies during emergencies, including wildfire response, medical surges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and prior food-distribution missions during the 2020 lockdowns, when the Guard and thousands of volunteers helped deliver more than 800 million meals statewide.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom stated that the state’s action was necessary due to stalled federal assistance.
“The Trump administration and their GOP shutdown have turned their backs on working people, pulling food from the tables of families who were already struggling to get by,” Siebel said. “California is taking action to support our families by deploying California’s National Guard and California Volunteers to strengthen food distribution and invest $80 million to keep food banks stocked.”
Major General Matthew P. Beevers, who leads the California Military Department, said the Guard stands ready to assist.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cal Guard service members played a crucial role in this effort, and they are honored to serve their communities once again,” Beevers said. “In collaboration with Cal OES and Cal Volunteers, we are dedicated to this critical mission, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance they deserve.”
Josh Fryday, director of the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve), said members of the California Service Corps will join the mission.
“During this critical time as D.C. strips communities of vital resources, Californians are doing what we always do — which is step up for each other,” Fryday said.
The state said the federal government has directed states to hold November benefit data, preventing CalFresh funds from being distributed.
The delay first affects people newly enrolling in CalFresh in late October, and will soon impact all 5.5 million recipients unless President Trump and Congress reopen the federal government or take action to fund benefits.
“As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday,” Newsom said, “California is working to ensure CalFresh recipients don’t go hungry while food prices are spiking under President Trump.”
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