Cal Poly Students Struggle with Food Aid Delays Amid Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know

CalFresh benefits for many students might be delayed due to the current government shutdown. Cal Poly received this news from the Centers for Healthy Communities and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) earlier this week.

This delay could impact about 6,300 students who rely on CalFresh for food assistance in November. Olivia Watts, the CalFresh manager, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m just beyond disappointed at this point.”

CalFresh helps distribute federal funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Benefits are processed through a list from the County Department of Social Services, which gets sent to Fidelity Information Services to load money onto the electronic cards used by beneficiaries.

In light of these delays, Cal Poly Cares is now accepting applications for short-term financial assistance. Keegan Koberl, a media representative, mentioned that applicants need to provide documentation to support their requests.

Additionally, the SLO Food Bank is ramping up efforts to support those affected. CEO Molly Kern shared that they are preparing to serve about 12,000 additional people on top of the nearly 18,000 already receiving help. “We’ll be sending out more food to our partners to better meet the needs in the community,” Kern explained.

Kern also noted that during the food bank’s regular distributions, they’re ready to accommodate more attendees. With an estimated 45,000 people already being served, the food bank is encouraging anyone needing assistance to use the Food Resources Map available at findfoodslo.org.

In their announcement about the potential delay, San Luis Obispo County assured residents that updates would come as more information is available. They expect benefits to be distributed retroactively once the government reopens.

This shutdown has lasted for 24 days, primarily due to disagreements in Congress over funding for healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which supports nearly 24 million people. According to NPR, this conflict has left both the budget for CalFresh and the federal employees needed to process these benefits in limbo.

As discussions in Washington continue, hunger and uncertainty linger for many. Local organizations are stepping up to provide assistance where they can, emphasizing the importance of community support in tough times.

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