UPDATE: Valley families are facing a dire situation as SNAP benefits are set to be suspended next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. If the shutdown continues, benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which supports low-income families in purchasing food, will not be distributed, leaving many at risk of hunger.
Local organizations are sounding alarms over the potential crisis. Zack Darrah, CEO of the Poverello House in Fresno, California, stated, “If there’s a pause on benefits… we will see more and more people at the Poverello House every day.” Currently, the facility feeds approximately 1,000 people daily, but Darrah anticipates this number could double by next month if the situation does not improve.
The Poverello House recently held a successful telethon, but Darrah emphasized the challenge ahead: “How do we create meals out of this that can go to the community for those who are hungry?” They are committed to maximizing their resources to meet the escalating demand.
The impact of the shutdown is also being felt by the Central California Food Bank, which supports hundreds of thousands relying on SNAP benefits. Co-CEO Kym Dildine warned, “We anticipate a huge influx in need in the coming weeks and months until the government reopens.”
In response to the crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom has activated the National Guard to assist food banks across the state. Dildine noted that the food bank has historically not required such support and expressed hope that their services won’t be overwhelmed. “We’re trying to be sensitive about the possibility of a National Guard presence,” Dildine said, stressing that it could deter individuals from seeking necessary services.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Federal workers laid off due to the shutdown are now among those seeking assistance from food banks, highlighting the widespread impact of this crisis.
For those looking to help the Poverello House, click here. To support the Central California Food Bank, click here. As the situation develops, local organizations are rallying together to ensure that no one goes hungry during this challenging time.
