SLO Food Bank prepares for increased need amid CalFresh delay
– The SLO Food Bank is expanding its services to address rising food insecurity following a federal government shutdown that is expected to delay November CalFresh benefits for nearly 30,000 people in San Luis Obispo County.
The delay will temporarily suspend about $6 million in monthly funds typically provided through CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps residents purchase food. When benefits are interrupted, local residents often turn to the SLO Food Bank’s Hunger Relief Network for assistance.
The food bank said it is increasing the amount and reach of food distributed through its neighborhood food distributions and Hunger Relief Network. It is also encouraging residents in need to visit findfoodslo.org
or call (805) 238-4664 to locate available food resources.
“To ensure nourishment reaches all of our neighbors, the SLO Food Bank is requesting the community’s support through sharing crucial food resource information,” the organization said. It added that donations will help provide food and support during the increased demand period.
“For nearly 30,000 of our SLO County neighbors, this delay is a source of immediate stress and hardship—no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Molly Kern, CEO of the SLO Food Bank. “We are confident we can meet this unprecedented challenge because of the incredible compassion of our community—from our dedicated agency partners to our steadfast donors and volunteers.”
The SLO Food Bank serves about 45,000 residents each month through more than 70 nonprofit partners, neighborhood food distributions, senior home deliveries, and farmers markets for children and seniors. More information is available at slofoodbank.org.
