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As uncertainty still looms over federal food aid, the Community Food Bank of San Benito is organizing a drive-through distribution on the afternoon of Nov. 12 to help the most vulnerable residents during the federal government shutdown.
More than 7,000 people—about one in 10 county residents, including 3,000 children—have been affected since CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was suspended on Nov. 1.
The food distribution is being funded by San Benito County, whose Board of Supervisors last week approved up to $150,000 from the county Health and Human Services Agency’s reserves to feed residents in need.
Although a federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Nov. 6 to restore benefits to the program serving about 42 million low-income Americans, local officials say the crisis is not over.
On Nov. 8, following a Supreme Court decision, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told states not to issue full benefits but to continue loading partial benefits.
While many Californians have started receiving their benefits and the county expects most locals to receive them by Nov. 10, uncertainty remains as eight Democratic senators broke ranks with their party and moved to end the shutdown.
HHSA Assistant Director Amanda Geipe told BenitoLink that payments could still be delayed as litigation continues and the state is still finalizing details with the federal government.
“If these benefits aren’t delivered, folks are going to need access to resources,” Geipe said. “So, it’s better for us to be prepared and proactive to respond to our community’s need for food.”
Food will be distributed at the Community Food Bank, located at 1133 San Felipe Road in Hollister, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. No ID will be required, and residents will only need to state that they are CalFresh recipients affected by the federal shutdown to receive assistance.
The food bank is also expecting a truckload of food from the state, though Geipe said it’s not yet clear when it will arrive, as the California Department of Social Services is still finalizing its contract with the vendor.
Besides the $150,000 allocated by the Board of Supervisors—$100,000 has already been delivered, and the remaining $50,000 is being held in reserve at the discretion of County Administrative Officer Esperanza Colio Warren—the food bank received a $2,000 donation from the Latino Coalition on Nov. 7.
Still, Executive Director Antonio Mendoza said in a news release that more donations are needed.
Beyond the food bank, local restaurants and residents are also stepping in to help. Running Rooster and Jardines de San Juan are offering free meals to families affected by the shutdown. Running Rooster is providing free and discounted meals for children and adults, and Jardines is giving a free meal to every child who presents a CalFresh card.
Community members have also joined the effort. On Nov. 9, residents gathered at Aguirre Memorial Park to collect and deliver food donations to those in need.
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