What’s at stake?
If the shutdown drags into November, the county social services department estimates some $46 million in local benefits could be lost.
Fresno County leaders are bracing for thousands of local residents to lose essential food assistance unless the federal government shutdown — already the second-longest in history — ends before next month.
In a fiery media statement Wednesday, freshman county Supervisor Luis Chavez, a Democrat, urged the federal government to end its shutdown, calling it a “growing humanitarian concern.”
“We can’t stand by while our neighbors go hungry. Seniors who worked their whole lives, children who depend on school meals, and parents who are doing their best to make ends meet will be hit the hardest,” Chavez said in the statement. “This is not about politics, it’s about people.”
Fresno County residents who rely on CalFresh benefits have received alerts warning of potential delays in benefits and payments.
If the shutdown drags into November, the county social services department estimates some $46 million in local benefits could be lost. Chavez said churches and nonprofit organizations are “preparing to help,” but will not be enough to fill the whole gap.
The Central California Food Bank could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
Residents in need of food assistance can visit www.cdss.ca.gov or contact the Fresno County
Department of Social Services for updates related to CalFresh benefits.
The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 and there are few signs of any progress, multiple outlets have reported.
President Donald Trump and the GOP are insisting on a short-term funding plan, but Senate Democrats are holding out for a spending plan that preserves healthcare subsidies for millions of Americans.
The shutdown is expected to impact millions of government workers who are furloughed, fired, laid off or working without pay.
From food assistance and health care to tourism, much of Fresno County relies on some form of federal government assistance.
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