The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced it will provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner for pick-up to all children as the ongoing federal government shutdown halts CalFresh benefits starting Saturday. This initiative aims to support families affected by the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, which impacts approximately 1.5 million recipients in Los Angeles County.
The district’s decision comes as more than 80% of LAUSD students come from low-income families eligible for free or reduced-price meals, with over 270,000 families relying on food benefits. According to ABC7, the district plans to step up community engagement efforts, similar to actions taken during the coronavirus pandemic.
The government shutdown, which has led to the suspension of SNAP benefits for the first time in modern history, has prompted local organizations to provide emergency food assistance. FOX LA reports that the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation offers free snack and dinner programs for youth, teens, and seniors. Additionally, DoorDash is partnering with over 300 food banks and community organizations to offer free delivery and waived service fees for SNAP recipients through Project DASH.
The suspension of SNAP benefits has sparked legal action, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to continue food stamp provisions. The lawsuit argues that Congress appropriated $6 billion in contingency funds for SNAP through September 2026, but the administration has not utilized these funds to maintain the program during the shutdown.
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