Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, approximately 30 National Guard troops have arrived at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. This deployment, ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of a statewide humanitarian mission to support food banks as federal food assistance programs face disruptions. The troops are assisting in sorting fresh produce and boxing meals, echoing their role during the COVID-19 pandemic when they helped distribute over 800 million meals across California.
Josh Fryday, California Chief Service Officer, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “This humanitarian mission by the National Guard feels right because it is right, and it mirrors the role they played during COVID when we deployed the National Guard.” The deployment comes as demand at the food bank has surged by 25% this year due to factors such as inflation and recent wildfires. With the government shutdown, this demand is expected to increase further.
Governor Newsom has announced plans to fast-track $80 million in state funds to support food banks across nearly every county in California. This move is intended to mitigate the impact of the shutdown, which threatens to interrupt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 5.5 million Californians. Michael Flood, CEO of the L.A. Regional Food Bank, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that nearly a million households in California rely on these benefits.
The governor’s office has criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation, with Newsom stating, “Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths.” As the state steps up to fill the gaps left by the federal government, the National Guard’s involvement underscores California’s commitment to supporting its communities during this challenging time.
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