LOS ANGELES (KABC) — SNAP benefits are not expected to go out in November due to the ongoing government shutdown and many of those at risk of losing their food assistance are families with children – so some of Southern California’s school districts are stepping in.
The Los Angeles Unified School District on Thursday is expected to provide information about its efforts to support families as the funding ends.
Meanwhile, the Pasadena Unified School District announced their school meal programs will not be affected in any way as they monitor what this could mean for their students and families.
The possible disruption to SNAP funding on Nov. 1 would have a direct impact on beneficiaries of the food assistance program.
In Los Angeles County, 1.5 million people rely on SNAP, which is called CalFresh in California. The program allows people to access food from food banks and grocery stores. Thanks to CalFresh, $300 million are spent at grocery stores in L.A. County every month.
“Two-thirds are seniors and children. Many are dealing with disabilities, living on (Supplemental Security Income) so these are some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Michael Flood, the CEO of the L.A. Regional Food Bank. “This has never happened before in the 60-year history of this program, that benefits have not gone out.”
Inglewood resident Felicia Ortiz relies on food assistance from the federal government to feed her family. Her son also has Type 1 diabetes.
“Having that little bit of assistance to help me buy the healthier food for him and making sure that he’s eating right has just been such a burden off my shoulders,” Ortiz said.
But on Saturday, SNAP benefits will no longer be funded because of the government shutdown. Democrats are blaming Republicans and Republicans are blaming Democrats.
Oritz fears the difficult choices ahead that she’ll have to make.
“Now I’m going to have to worry about where our next meal will come from and taking that little bit from paying my rent, from paying my bills and now having to put it into providing a meal for my family,” Ortiz said.
About 3 million people across Southern California are expected to lose those benefits by this weekend.
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