As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, Westside residents are feeling the strain of delayed food assistance, prompting local leaders and organizations to mobilize emergency support.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves roughly 1 in 8 Americans, was set to freeze payments this week due to lack of federal funding. But on Friday, federal judges in Boston and Providence ruled that the USDA must continue issuing benefits using emergency reserve funds. The rulings called the suspension “unlawful” and directed the agency to provide at least partial payments for November.
Still, uncertainty remains. The USDA has not confirmed whether it will fully fund the program or appeal the decisions. Advocates warn that reduced or delayed benefits could force families to choose between groceries and other essentials.
“Over 94,000 residents rely on food assistance programs, and many families in our community are struggling to put food on the table,” said Stanislaus County District 4 Supervisor Mani Grewal. “This funding is a direct way we can help bridge the gap, support our local food banks, and make sure no family goes hungry this season.”
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors will vote Nov. 18 on whether to allocate $50,000 from the Community Development Fund to the Community Services Agency for distribution to local food banks. The item was delayed from the Nov. 4 agenda.
District 2 Supervisor Vito Chiesa expressed frustration with the federal stalemate. “I’m so sick of hearing about the government shutdown,” he said. “It’s time for these federal legislators to come to their senses. They’re only hurting the poorest in our communities and nobody else.”
Rep. Adam Gray (D-Merced), who represents the Westside in California’s 13th Congressional District, said he’s working across the aisle to push for emergency SNAP funding. “I’m not afraid to meet with anybody or talk to anyone, because working together is how we get the best outcomes,” Gray said. “But Republicans decimate programs in their bill, then turn around and pretend like they care about the programs they’ve decimated. It’s the hypocrisy of this whole thing that’s driving me crazy.”
Gray was among more than 200 members of Congress who signed a letter urging the Secretary of Agriculture to release contingency funds for SNAP, a move now backed by the courts.
Local food banks are already feeling the pressure. The United Samaritans Foundation reported having to turn people away during its end-of-month emergency food box distribution for the first time.
In Merced County, the Merced County Food Bank is ramping up efforts to meet rising demand. A food drive was held Nov. 1, with another planned for Nov. 8. Residents can donate food or funds at www.mmcfb.org/donate or by calling (209) 726-3663.
The food bank clarified that recent state announcements about “fast-tracking” $80 million in CalFood funding do not represent new money. The funds were approved in June and are now being released early, which may help in the short term but could leave gaps later in the fiscal year.
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley will bring its Mobile Fresh program to the Center for Human Services at 649 Orestimba Road in Newman on Nov. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. Free groceries will be distributed, and organizers ask that attendees not arrive more than two hours early.
As the shutdown continues, Westside leaders and nonprofits are urging residents to stay informed, seek available resources, and support local food efforts however they can.
