If lawmakers in Washington fail to strike a deal to reopen the federal government today, more than 310,000 Orange County residents could see their November CalFresh benefits delayed. Local leaders say that would be a disruption that would ripple through local food banks already stretched thin.
Among those affected are 94,000 seniors over 60 and 91,000 children under 18, according to the latest county data. For many of these households, CalFresh benefits are the primary source of access to fresh and healthy food.
Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, says her team is preparing for what could be one of the largest waves of demand since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If they lose CalFresh, it reduces their ability to buy and access food,” Keller said. “We are desperately in need of funds.”
Second Harvest currently serves an average of 458,995 people each month, and twice in the last six months has assisted more than half a million residents seeking food assistance. Keller says her team is coordinating with local pantries and volunteers to ensure emergency supplies are ready if federal benefits are interrupted.
She says they have also set up a temporary food bank at John Wayne Airport to provide food for government employees working without pay.
Community members in need of food can find nearby resources at feedoc.org/need-food or dial 211 for assistance.
Donations and volunteer support are also being accepted as the organization braces for a possible spike in demand.
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