Newsom Deploys National Guard as Shutdown Threatens Food Aid

UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has just announced the deployment of the California National Guard to assist food banks, as the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt food benefits for millions of residents. This urgent move comes as the state sets aside $80 million in support, highlighting the immediate crisis affecting low-income families.

Officials report that without a resolution by Thursday, nearly 5.5 million Californians, including 3.5 million children and seniors, enrolled in the CalFresh program could face significant delays in their November food assistance. The governor’s announcement underscores the dire situation, with Newsom stating on social media, “The Republican Government Shutdown is about to delay food benefits for MILLIONS of California families.”

The California Department of Social Services has begun notifying counties to prepare for the potential disruption of federally funded food benefits. California distributes approximately $1.1 billion in CalFresh benefits each month. While benefits for October have been distributed, new applicants between October 16 and October 31 may not receive aid for the second half of the month or for November.

In addition, those enrolled in California’s separate food assistance program for noncitizens, who cannot access federal aid, are also expected to experience delays. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has yet to issue a comment but previously informed state agencies on October 10 that there are insufficient funds to cover benefits for November.

“I am deploying the National Guard on a humanitarian mission to support CA’s food banks,” Newsom added, condemning the shutdown as a political maneuver that puts millions at risk.

The current crisis is exacerbated by a broader trend of food insecurity in California, where nearly a quarter of households faced hunger challenges in 2023, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. In San Diego County, local food banks are responding by opening pop-up locations to aid armed service members and federal employees affected by the shutdown.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on Washington, where negotiations are ongoing. Key officials, including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, have attributed the funding issues to political disagreements, claiming that Democrats prioritize other agendas over food security. The looming threat of disrupted benefits emphasizes the urgent need for a resolution to the shutdown.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for potential changes in food assistance availability. With the National Guard deployed, state officials are mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of the shutdown on vulnerable populations.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as negotiations continue. Californians are urged to share this information to raise awareness about the critical need for support during this challenging time.