UPDATE: Santa Clara County has just announced a groundbreaking allocation of $4.5 million to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley as approximately 133,000 residents brace for a critical lapse in federal food assistance benefits next month. This urgent funding aims to address the anticipated surge in demand at local food banks, driven by the impending expiration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) known as CalFresh in California.
As of November 1, 2023, families relying on CalFresh, which supports over 5.5 million low-income Californians, will face dire situations as benefits may be cut up to $785 per month for a family of three. This loss is expected to exacerbate food insecurity in a region already grappling with alarming rates of hunger.
Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest, stated, “We are preparing for longer lines at our distribution sites starting this weekend.” The food bank currently serves roughly 500,000 people monthly across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, a figure that could surge dramatically in the coming weeks.
The funding announcement comes amidst a backdrop of budget cuts and fiscal crises triggered by the federal administration’s recent policies, which have slashed $200 billion in food assistance benefits over the next decade. County Executive James Williams emphasized the necessity of the funding, declaring, “We must continue to support those in need, despite the challenges we face.”
Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas expressed deep concern for vulnerable populations in her district, where 27,000 residents rely on CalFresh. “Hunger on top of existing struggles is a recipe for disaster,” she warned, highlighting the impact on children and seniors who often must choose between food, rent, and essential bills.
The loss of benefits is described by Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee as “an even more dangerous and disturbing step by our federal administration.” He stressed that equitable access to food is a fundamental right, stating, “Many people are simply one accident, one missed paycheck, or one hospitalization away from being unable to afford their next meal.”
In addition to the funding, the county is actively seeking additional food supplies, volunteers, and donors to support Second Harvest’s efforts. Assistant Director Robert Sacasa noted that outreach efforts are underway to inform CalFresh recipients about the status of their benefits and available resources.
Residents of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties can find immediate food resources by contacting Second Harvest of Silicon Valley at 1-800-984-3663 or visiting shfb.org. As the situation develops, local officials remain committed to ensuring that no one in the community falls through the cracks during this critical time.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent humanitarian issue as officials work to mitigate the impact of these federal cuts.
