In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown that is impacting benefits for low-income families, Gov. Gavin Newsom is deploying the National Guard and California Volunteers to help food banks across California.A Wednesday release from the governor’s office stated Newsom is also fast-tracking up to $80 million to assist with funding delays stemming from the shutdown, as Congressional lawmakers remain at odds over an agreed-upon federal budget.“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths,” Newsom said in a release. “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.”The governor’s announcement comes as nearly 5.5 million Californians are at risk of not receiving their CalFresh benefits. California’s Department of Social Services told recipients on Monday that assistance may soon be unavailable.Newsom’s release said the federal government directed states to hold November 2025 benefit data, which normally allows CalFresh funds to be allocated to those with CalFresh benefit cards. This immediately affects newly enrolled recipients and then would affect all 5.5 million recipients after Oct. 23. This is also the time of year when food banks prepare for one of the busiest times of year, causing many to worry about a surge of those seeking assistance.It has been more than three weeks since the government shutdown over an impasse between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats want to extend health care subsidies, which expire at the end of the year. Republicans are rallying behind President Donald Trump in refusing to negotiate with Democrats’ demands.Trump said he is open to negotiations once the government reopens.Newsom’s press release said this deployment mirrors when the governor deployed the Guard in March 2020 to assist food banks during the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.The governor said in his release that the Guard will not be acting as law enforcement. California Volunteers is a state agency that promotes service, volunteerism and civic engagement throughout the state, according to its website.For information about how to assist with a donation of time or money, visit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ website at sacramentofoodbank.org.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown that is impacting benefits for low-income families, Gov. Gavin Newsom is deploying the National Guard and California Volunteers to help food banks across California.
A Wednesday release from the governor’s office stated Newsom is also fast-tracking up to $80 million to assist with funding delays stemming from the shutdown, as Congressional lawmakers remain at odds over an agreed-upon federal budget.
“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths,” Newsom said in a release. “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.”
The governor’s announcement comes as nearly 5.5 million Californians are at risk of not receiving their CalFresh benefits. California’s Department of Social Services told recipients on Monday that assistance may soon be unavailable.
Newsom’s release said the federal government directed states to hold November 2025 benefit data, which normally allows CalFresh funds to be allocated to those with CalFresh benefit cards. This immediately affects newly enrolled recipients and then would affect all 5.5 million recipients after Oct. 23.
This is also the time of year when food banks prepare for one of the busiest times of year, causing many to worry about a surge of those seeking assistance.
It has been more than three weeks since the government shutdown over an impasse between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats want to extend health care subsidies, which expire at the end of the year. Republicans are rallying behind President Donald Trump in refusing to negotiate with Democrats’ demands.
Trump said he is open to negotiations once the government reopens.
Newsom’s press release said this deployment mirrors when the governor deployed the Guard in March 2020 to assist food banks during the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor said in his release that the Guard will not be acting as law enforcement. California Volunteers is a state agency that promotes service, volunteerism and civic engagement throughout the state, according to its website.
For information about how to assist with a donation of time or money, visit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ website at sacramentofoodbank.org.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel