"The outlook is unpleasant right now. It is going to be a challenge that we're getting through, but I would also add that this is what food banks are built for, said Michael Altfest, communications director for Alameda County Community Food Bank. What it's going to require is support. So the fact that the county is recognizing this and really believes food is a basic human right shows they're doing what they can."
"Days before 175,000 Alameda County residents are set to lose federal food assistance, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $10 million to local food banks and food assistance programs on Tuesday. With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown that has precipitated what food bank leaders called an emergency at Tuesday's meeting Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits running out on Nov. 1, while federal employees remain furloughed the county's funding is considered critical for food assistance organizations."
Alameda County approved $10 million to local food banks and assistance programs as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to run out on Nov. 1 for about 175,000 residents amid a federal shutdown and federal employee furloughs. The Board allocated $8.3 million in Measure W funds to Alameda County Community Food Bank and $1.7 million to Meals on Wheels and partners, plus $500,000 for disabled community services and $450,000 for Immigration and Refugee Services staffing. Measure W was passed in 2020 for homelessness and housing and a portion was repurposed to offset federal cuts. Demand for food assistance has risen, with roughly one in four residents facing food insecurity, and the Republican budget bill HR1 cut $70 million in county funding and tightened SNAP eligibility.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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