Local governments and nonprofits are attempting to bolster food banks and other resources as the nearly monthlong federal shutdown is about to stop food assistance for more than 1.5 million Los Angeles County residents, officials said Tuesday.
Residents who depend on EBT cards to buy groceries will miss benefits starting Saturday unless Congress resolves the budget deadlock, according to the county. Even with a last-minute deal, the shutdown will delay benefits in November.
County agencies and nonprofit partners are attempting to increase the regional food bank system’s capacity to enable more robust food distribution amid the benefit stoppage. The county has agreed to a $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to significantly expand the organization’s food purchasing capacity for November. The contact also calls for additional pop-up sites and drive-through pantry locations to provide access to more families.
Officials noted that all but $25,000 of the $10 million will go toward purchasing food to be distributed through an established network of 940 food pantries countywide.
The L.A. Care Health Plan, which insures county residents from vulnerable populations and low-income earners, has promised to spend up to $5.4 million in food aid for immediate needs created by the federal funding lapse. In partnership with the LA Regional Food Bank, Food Forward and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, the health plan will distribute grocery gift cards and fresh foods at distribution sites throughout the county. L.A. Care is also working with community-based organizations to help with distribution, officials said.
Many county departments have also shifted resources to provide support during the shutdown. The Public Social Services and Children and Family Services departments have each contributed $2 million, and the Mental Health and Parks and Recreation departments are setting up temporary food programs to assist their clients.
“Our County is coming together to make sure no one goes hungry,” said LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a statement. “We recognize the hardship that the loss or delay of food benefits will cause for many families and we’re acting quickly to address that gap. From new funding for local food banks to partnerships with organizations like L.A. Care, we’re mobilizing every available resource to help our residents have access to the food and support they need. We are leading with compassion and collaboration.”
State officials started informing CalFresh recipients Oct. 24 that November benefits will be delayed. The county has used email, texts, social media posts and public service announcements to get the word out.
Officials emphasized the importance of CalFresh recipients continuing to comply with all reporting requirements to ensure benefits are distributed promptly once they become available.
Officials also urged residents and business owners, including those who might typically help during the holiday season, to donate now to local food banks and faith-based organizations.
To find a food distribution site, visit lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator or call 211. Donations of pet food are also welcomed and at any county animal shelter, animalcare.lacounty.gov.
The Parks and Recreation Department has food programs for youth, teens and seniors, parks.lacounty.gov/lacounty-parks-food-programs.
Seniors over age 60 may be eligible for a free meal at local senior centers. Information is available by calling 800-510-2020.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC is currently operational in California, according to the county. Government employees who are furloughed or working without pay may qualify for WIC if they are pregnant or have a child under age 5. Applications are at startwic.org or available by texting “APPLY” to 91997.
On Tuesday, California and more than two-dozen states sued the Trump administration over the food aid stoppage.
