Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of the California National Guard to assist food banks across the state due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This move comes as millions of Californians face potential delays in receiving their CalFresh food benefits. On Wednesday (October 22), Newsom also allocated up to $80 million in state funds to address the funding delays caused by the budget impasse in Congress.
The shutdown has left nearly 5.5 million Californians at risk of not receiving their food benefits. The California Department of Social Services has already warned recipients that assistance may soon be unavailable. The federal government has directed states to withhold November 2025 benefit data, affecting newly enrolled recipients immediately and all recipients after October 23.
Newsom criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation, stating, “Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that millions rely on these benefits. According to KCRA, the governor’s deployment of the Guard mirrors a similar action taken in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government shutdown, now over three weeks long, stems from a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats aim to extend health care subsidies, while Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, refuse to negotiate until the government reopens. As food banks prepare for their busiest time of year, the surge in demand for assistance is a growing concern.
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