Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters last week that SNAP would run out of money in two weeks if the shutdown continued, and the Department of Agriculture hasn’t provided a 2025 contingency plan, according to the Food Research and Action Center.
The department could technically tap into reserves, but it’s unknown how flush that fund is.
The shutdown could also begin causing delays to state-funded food benefit programs, Newsom said.
In the meantime, California Guard troops, alongside California Volunteers members, will help food banks absorb higher demand — especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
“The California Military Department, under the direction of the Governor’s Office, is proud to support food bank operations across the state,” said Major General Matthew P. Beevers, adding that the action would be similar to the agencies’ deployment during the start of the pandemic in March 2020. “We are dedicated to this critical mission, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance they deserve.”