California National Guard Mobilizes to Support Food Banks Amid Growing Need, Says Gov. Gavin Newsom

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that he’s deploying National Guard members and California Volunteers to help out at food banks during the ongoing government shutdown. This move echoes a similar initiative he took at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newsom emphasized that the National Guard troops will not serve in a law enforcement capacity. “I’m speeding up state funding for food banks and working to get food to families in need,” he said.

He also highlighted a worrying potential impact of the shutdown on the CalFresh program, known nationally as SNAP, which provides food benefits to about 5.5 million people in California. Food banks statewide are preparing for a surge in demand as a result.

In his announcement, Newsom pointed out the seriousness of the situation and mentioned President Trump directly. “Trump’s failure isn’t abstract,” he stated. “It’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. This is urgent.”

As of Wednesday, the government shutdown reached its 22nd day, making it one of the longest on record. Historical patterns show that long shutdowns often lead to increased food insecurity and strain on community resources.

Recent statistics indicate that food bank usage has surged by over 30% in some areas since the start of the shutdown. This trend points to a growing need for support, particularly among families struggling to make ends meet.

To better understand the impact, many families are turning to social media to share their experiences and seek assistance. Local hashtags related to food insecurity are trending, reflecting both the urgency of the issue and the community’s efforts to mobilize support.

For more information on the state of food assistance programs, you can refer to USDA’s SNAP page.

This situation underscores the importance of government aid and community support during challenging times, reminding us all of the collective responsibility to help those in need.

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