California National Guard Deployed as Millions Face Food Aid Delays

URGENT UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a critical response to the ongoing federal government shutdown that threatens to delay food assistance for millions of Californians. The state will deploy the California National Guard and allocate $80 million in state aid to support food banks across the state.

Just days after the California Department of Social Services warned counties to prepare for disruptions, Newsom’s announcement highlights the urgency of the situation. Without federal intervention or a resolution to the shutdown by Thursday, November 2, 2023, approximately 5.5 million low-income Californians could face a lack of food benefits for November.

“The Republican Government Shutdown is about to delay food benefits for MILLIONS of California families,” Newsom stated on X, formerly Twitter. “I am deploying the National Guard on a humanitarian mission to support CA’s food banks. Donald Trump is using millions of Americans as political pawns. It’s disgusting.”

As the shutdown continues, nearly 3.5 million children and senior citizens who rely on the CalFresh program could be significantly impacted. California typically distributes about $1.1 billion in CalFresh benefits each month. While benefits for October have already been issued, individuals applying between October 16 and October 31 may not receive support for the second half of October or for November.

Additionally, delays are expected for recipients of the California Food Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to eligible noncitizens unable to access federal aid.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has acknowledged the funding shortfall for November but did not provide comments when contacted. They referenced a memo sent to state agencies on October 10, indicating insufficient funds.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently attributed the funding crisis to Democrats prioritizing “free health care for illegal aliens” over food security for American families. This statement aligns with the ongoing partisan debate surrounding the shutdown, which centers on contentious issues such as Medicaid cuts and immigration policy.

Notably, nearly a quarter of California households experience food insecurity, according to recent data from the Public Policy Institute of California. In San Diego County, home to the state’s largest military population, local food banks are establishing pop-up locations to address increasing food insecurity among both military families and federal employees impacted by the shutdown.

As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential changes to their food assistance. The deployment of the National Guard is a vital step to mitigate the immediate effects of this crisis, but the long-term resolution hinges on federal action to end the shutdown.

Watch for updates as this urgent situation unfolds and affects the lives of millions in California.