Yolo County recently began emergency food distributions due to a halt in CalFresh payments linked to the ongoing government shutdown. The county’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is partnering with the Yolo Food Bank to ensure those in need have access to food.
According to Genevieve Pyeatt from the Yolo Food Bank, “We wanted to provide extra opportunities for CalFresh recipients to access food.” In California, about 5.5 million people have faced delays in loading money onto their CalFresh cards, a critical resource for many families and individuals.
In Yolo County alone, nearly 28,000 residents depend on SNAP benefits through CalFresh, amounting to approximately $5.6 million monthly. Many recipients are elderly or families with children. As the shutdown extends, more people are expected to seek assistance.
Current statistics highlight the urgency of the situation; this is now the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, at 35 days. The White House recently announced that some partial SNAP funding will be released. However, this amount is only about half of what’s necessary nationwide. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that reopening the government is key to ensuring full SNAP benefits return to those in need.
To address escalating needs, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors approved $225,000 from Pamona Funds to support the food bank’s efforts. County Administrator Mike Webb mentioned, “We will be doubling down our efforts.” Supervisor Mary Vixie Sandy expressed concern: “The war on poverty has become a war on the poor.”
Community support has surged, with donors contributing over $165,000 in just days. The county encourages continued donations to meet the ongoing crisis.
Emergency food distributions will occur at the following locations:
- Woodland HHSA Service Center: November 5 and 12 at 9 a.m.
- West Sacramento HHSA Service Center: November 6 and 13 at 9 a.m.
Additionally, the Yolo Food Bank plans to deliver food to the UC Davis Basic Needs Center. This effort will allow staff to distribute food on campus to students on November 8 and 15.
The Yolo Food Bank’s Food First Campaign runs through December 15, aiming to purchase extra food for those in need. This initiative reflects the community’s determination to support each other during challenging times and emphasizes the importance of collective action in addressing hunger.
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