Starting November 1, CalFresh (SNAP) benefits will be abruptly cut off for more than 55,000 Santa Barbara County residents. As the federal government shutdown persists, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has launched an emergency response to help protect local families from the impact of missed paychecks and suspended food assistance.
To meet the anticipated surge in need, the Foodbank will increase food supplies by 10 to 15 percent in targeted areas. The organization is expanding programs that serve children and families, enhancing support for students and older adults, and strengthening home-delivery options for those with limited mobility or disabilities to ensure continued access to nutritious food for all residents.
The Foodbank has designated CalFoods emergency funds to purchase high-demand items, including eggs, bread, and culturally preferred foods. However, using these funds now to meet immediate needs will limit what can be drawn upon later in the fiscal year.
The Foodbank also began supporting federal employees affected by the shutdown on October 23, providing food for distributions at Vandenberg Space Force Base and staple grocery items to TSA employees in both North and South County.
It is important to understand who depends on CalFresh. These are not strangers or outsiders. They are neighbors, coworkers, students, and grandparents striving to make ends meet as the cost of living and food prices reach record highs. In Santa Barbara County, nearly half of CalFresh recipients are children, more than one in five are older adults living on fixed incomes, and roughly one in four are young adults or college students balancing school, work, and rising costs. Many others are adults with disabilities who face barriers to employment and transportation.
When CalFresh benefits end, these households immediately lose access to food at home. It is not a question of convenience but a question of whether there will be a meal on the table.
The Foodbank is calling on the community to act:
- Donate: Every dollar helps provide fresh, healthy food to neighbors in need.
- Volunteer: Help families across the county.
- Spread the word: Share updates so that those who need support know where to find help.
Anyone in need of food can view Foodbank’s current distribution schedule at FoodbankSBC.org
To learn more or get involved, visit www.foodbanksbc.org
SICK MAGA HUBRIS – Trump is nailing the coffin shut on the poor, the sick, the very young, and the elderly. The massive layoffs, reduced benefits, and SKYROCKETING INFLATION will kill many Americans. Mike Johnson won’t call the Repugs back to session to negotiate on bipartisan bills to reopen the government. All while they protect the EPSTEIN FILES.
Trump and Republicans are literally starving people for political gain. Fascist, authoritarian times. Throughout all government shutdowns, this is the only time SNAP has not been funded.
Starve them into submission. Good plan.
Ironically, all the people who were screaming ‘No Kings!’ are now asking their king for food.
No, they are asking the duly elected legislators to follow through on legislative commitments. The false king is not in charge of the purse.
Zipstain proving he has no idea how government works. Missed that class before dropping out at SBCC.
Almost 40% of all SNAP participants are children. Approximately 20% of participants are elderly. 10% of participants have a disability.
The largest share of SNAP-receiving households (more than 40%) is in the South.
White individuals make up the largest group of recipients, at 35.4%.
Now ask yourself how this demographic mostly votes.
This is how stupid you sound.
I was at the No Kings rallies (not screaming though), and I’m not asking for food. I am making donations though. Were you even there? If so, you would have seen a plethora of middle aged and old white people. 39% of SNAP recipients are children. Over 40% are in the south.
Derp. And you think having a king/dictator is a good idea. Remember that when someone who can’t buy food for their child takes your money on the street.
Trump had no problem sending out thousands of dollars in checks when he locked everyone down for COVID. But, now he is going to starve the poor, the elderly, the sick, and the young. Hunger has a very long memory.