California Mobilizes National Guard, Funds Food Banks Amid Shutdown

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on November 1, 2023, that the state will allocate $80 million to support food banks as public benefits become increasingly constrained due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This initiative includes deploying members of the California National Guard and volunteers from the California Volunteers corps to distribute food to residents in need.

Newsom’s announcement follows concerns that approximately 5.5 million Californians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known locally as CalFresh) may not receive benefits in November if the federal shutdown continues. The average monthly benefit per household is about $189, as reported by the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

In his statement, Newsom emphasized the urgency of the situation, blaming President Donald Trump and Republican leaders for their inability to reach a compromise with Democrats to restore state Medicare subsidies and end the shutdown. “Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families,” he said. “While Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps.”

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the state is taking proactive measures to ensure that CalFresh recipients do not go hungry, especially as food prices continue to rise. Newsom recalled that during the early stages of the pandemic, the California National Guard was similarly deployed to assist food banks when demand surged.

The mobilization of the National Guard also comes amid tensions over federal intervention in local governance. On October 31, Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta indicated their willingness to take legal action to prevent Trump from seizing control of the National Guard for a federal operation in San Francisco. Trump has threatened to declare an insurrection in the city, a move that has drawn criticism from local leaders and citizens alike.

This recent initiative underscores California’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in the face of federal gridlock, highlighting the state’s role in providing essential services when federal support is lacking. As the situation develops, the state is poised to continue its efforts to support vulnerable populations during this challenging period.