SAN FRANCISCO — California is stepping in as the ongoing government shutdown threatens food access for millions.
Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced the deployment of the California National Guard and California Volunteers to support food banks statewide.
The move comes as SNAP benefits are delayed for 5.5 million Californians. Newsom warned this week that if the federal shutdown continues past Thursday, there won’t be money available to fund CalFresh, which is part of SNAP, come November.
The state is also fast-tracking up to $80 million in emergency funding.
Officials say this is a humanitarian mission and that the National Guard will not be acting as law enforcement. The move mirrors similar action taken during the pandemic to keep families fed.
In his statement announcing the California National Guard Deployment, Newsom blamed President Trump. He said, in part, “Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. 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.”
Newsom’s announcement comes as local food banks say they’ve been stretched thin.
If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.