Even with the federal government back open, community food banks are pushing to keep up with the demand as the holidays approach, federal workers await delayed benefits and individuals continue to experience food insecurity.“While the federal government is open, the effects of both the shutdown and also the delay of CalFresh are still being felt,” said Amanda McCarthy, executive director of River City Food Bank. “Families are still struggling to keep up.”The River City Food Bank holds weekly food distributions at locations in both Midtown and Arden Arcade. When asked if she noticed a change during the shutdown, McCarthy said, “Absolutely.””We’re seeing just extraordinary numbers of people experiencing food insecurity,” she said.The food bank serves roughly 30,000 people per month. McCarthy noted she saw an 18% increase during the weeks of the country’s longest government shutdown.On Thursday, the California State Human Services Committee held a hearing specifically dedicated to understanding the impact the shutdown had on Californians – and how counties and food banks stepped up to help.”Hunger in California has been increasing, even before H.R. 1 and the shutdown,” said State Senator Jesse Arreguín, D-Berkeley. “It’s just going to get worse and so how can we get ahead of this and make sure that we can make the critical investments to make sure nobody goes hungry in a state.”Individuals also stepped up, organizing neighborhood food pantries at their homes to support those in need. Mickaela Colvin, of South Natomas, started her little library years ago, recently adding a small food pantry in honor of her late father.”People in this community are so giving and they love all of their neighbors,” she said. “I find that people show up for each other all the time.”She said she’s seen a steady flow of people coming by her home in recent weeks, both to drop off food donations and to pick up food available inside. “We had it before the government shutdown,” she said. “It’s just become a lot busier.”At River City Food Bank, McCarthy said she expects the increased need to continue through the end of the year.”We are very thankful for our generous community stepping up to help us fill the gap, but we’ll continue to need that support to make sure we can serve our community when they need us.”River City Food Bank is currently seeking monetary donations, volunteers, and hosts for food drives to help meet the ongoing demand.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. —
Even with the federal government back open, community food banks are pushing to keep up with the demand as the holidays approach, federal workers await delayed benefits and individuals continue to experience food insecurity.
“While the federal government is open, the effects of both the shutdown and also the delay of CalFresh are still being felt,” said Amanda McCarthy, executive director of River City Food Bank. “Families are still struggling to keep up.”
The River City Food Bank holds weekly food distributions at locations in both Midtown and Arden Arcade. When asked if she noticed a change during the shutdown, McCarthy said, “Absolutely.”
“We’re seeing just extraordinary numbers of people experiencing food insecurity,” she said.
The food bank serves roughly 30,000 people per month. McCarthy noted she saw an 18% increase during the weeks of the country’s longest government shutdown.
On Thursday, the California State Human Services Committee held a hearing specifically dedicated to understanding the impact the shutdown had on Californians – and how counties and food banks stepped up to help.
“Hunger in California has been increasing, even before H.R. 1 and the shutdown,” said State Senator Jesse Arreguín, D-Berkeley. “It’s just going to get worse and so how can we get ahead of this and make sure that we can make the critical investments to make sure nobody goes hungry in a state.”
Individuals also stepped up, organizing neighborhood food pantries at their homes to support those in need.
Mickaela Colvin, of South Natomas, started her little library years ago, recently adding a small food pantry in honor of her late father.
“People in this community are so giving and they love all of their neighbors,” she said. “I find that people show up for each other all the time.”
She said she’s seen a steady flow of people coming by her home in recent weeks, both to drop off food donations and to pick up food available inside.
“We had it before the government shutdown,” she said. “It’s just become a lot busier.”
At River City Food Bank, McCarthy said she expects the increased need to continue through the end of the year.
“We are very thankful for our generous community stepping up to help us fill the gap, but we’ll continue to need that support to make sure we can serve our community when they need us.”
River City Food Bank is currently seeking monetary donations, volunteers, and hosts for food drives to help meet the ongoing demand.
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