California Deploys National Guard to Support Food Banks Amid Shutdown

California is mobilizing its resources to tackle food insecurity as the federal government shutdown continues. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on November 1, 2023, that the state will allocate $80 million to food banks and deploy members of the National Guard and California Volunteers to distribute food to those in need. This decision comes as the ongoing shutdown threatens to disrupt benefits for millions of residents reliant on the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as CalFresh.

Approximately 5.5 million Californians currently receive CalFresh benefits, which average $189 per month per recipient, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. With the potential for these benefits to cease in November, the state’s intervention seeks to ensure that vulnerable populations do not go hungry as food prices rise.

State Response to Federal Inaction

In his statement, Governor Newsom criticized federal lawmakers, particularly President Donald Trump and Republican leaders, for their inability to reach a compromise that would restore funding for vital programs. “Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps,” he stated. The governor emphasized the urgency of the situation, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s National Guard was similarly deployed to assist food banks as demand surged. The current mobilization reflects a proactive approach by the state in light of the looming federal shutdown. In conjunction with this, the governor and Attorney General Rob Bonta have indicated their readiness to take legal action to prevent the federal government from assuming control over the National Guard, amidst concerns of a potential federal incursion into San Francisco.

Concerns Over Federal Intervention

Governor Newsom’s remarks come in response to threats from President Trump, who has suggested declaring an insurrection in San Francisco. This declaration, supported by several high-profile individuals from Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, could lead to federal troops being dispatched to the city. The governor’s administration is preparing to counter any such attempts that may infringe on state autonomy and local governance.

As the situation evolves, California’s actions underscore the state’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting its residents during a challenging time. With the assistance of the National Guard and additional funding for food banks, California aims to mitigate the impacts of the federal shutdown on its most vulnerable populations.