The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved up to $1 million in emergency spending to support Redwood Empire Food Bank feed those affected by the disruption of CalFresh benefits during the federal government shutdown, county officials announced.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture halted federal food benefits on Nov. 1, citing the shutdown; two federal judges have ruled that the suspension is unlawful—though it remains unclear when the USDA will comply with the court orders, leaving many public food programs in limbo.
The county funding will enable Redwood Empire Food Bank to expand food distribution through the end of January for Sonoma County residents experiencing reduced or delayed CalFresh benefits, county officials said in an announcement.
Board of Supervisors Chair Lynda Hopkins estimated it would help “thousands of Sonoma County families… put food on the table” while waiting for federal benefits to resume.
The support would be drawn from the General Fund, the announcement said.
“The temporary aid is intended to help offset an anticipated 20 to 40% increase in households seeking assistance and to purchase additional protein and other culturally responsive foods for local families,” read the announcement.
According to the county, nearly 43,000 Sonoma County residents receive more than $8.2 million every month through CalFresh, California’s version of the federal SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The program helps low-income households buy nutritious food using an Electronic Benefit Transfer card accepted at grocery stores, farmers markets and online retailers.
The Board of Supervisors will consider declaring a local emergency on Dec. 9 to organize the County’s response to projected community impacts resulting from enacted federal policies. Supervisors on Tuesday also directed staff to coordinate with philanthropic partners to address immediate food security needs.
To find local REFB distribution sites, visit getfood.refb.org.
