How CAL Fresh recipients will be impacted by the shutdown

Valley residents who receive food stamps can feel more at-ease after the U.S. Department of Agriculture guaranteed funding and distribution of food to millions of Americans who rely on the government assistance.

In a press release, the USDA said it will continue to provide funding for low-income families who rely on CAL Fresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the month of February and beyond.

“USDA has also ensured the other major nutrition assistance programs have sufficient funding to continue operations into February. The child nutrition programs, including school meals and after-school programs have funding available to continue operations through March.”

According to President and CEO of FIND Food Bank Debbie Espinosa, this means valley recipients will continue to receive the food they need despite an “unpredictable” partial government shutdown.

“We are closely monitoring the government shutdown given the potentially severe consequences for our 41 member food banks and the people they serve across California,” said Andrew Cheyne, Director of Government Affairs, California Association of Food Banks.

“If the shutdown continues past February, it could affect CalFresh benefits (food stamps), commodity foods through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the other federal nutrition programs. Food banks already struggle to meet the need for food, and if the shutdown affects these programs we would face a significant increase in demand of food assistance. As a result, hunger and hardship would increase in communities across the state.”