County responds to looming 'hunger crisis' from federal government shutdown
ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Millions of Californians are expected to lose their CalFresh food assistance benefits within hours as the federal government shutdown continues, leaving low-income families across the state scrambling for help.
County leaders are calling the situation a “hunger crisis” and are turning to local food organizations such as Feeding San Diego and Interfaith Community Services to fill the growing gap. Gov. Gavin Newsom has also fast-tracked about $80 million in emergency funding to support food banks statewide.
At Interfaith Community Services in Escondido, volunteers faced a parking lot jammed with cars Thursday as families waited anxiously in a drive-thru line for boxes of food. Among them were Scott and Shirley Stovall, one of 5.5 million Californians who rely on CalFresh benefits each month.
“We’re getting by, but it’s getting really tight,” said Scott Stovall, a Vietnam War veteran. “There’s always peanut butter sandwiches.”
He and his wife weren’t sure if the food would last until the next shipment.
“There’s so many people—over 42 million nationwide—struggling every month to eat,” he said. “They just need to settle this shutdown.”
Also waiting in line were Andrew and Emily Arcand, a Marine family with three young sons.
“It’s definitely frustrating not knowing when I’m going to get paid,” said Andrew Arcand. “Luckily we get paid tonight, but it’s all going to bills.”
“It’s heartbreaking to know that our servicemembers don’t get paid enough to make ends meet. Services like this come in handy for families like ours who are going through the same struggles," his wife Emily added.
Volunteers say the demand has been overwhelming, especially as they ran out of food to distribute.
“We are overwhelmed — there’s a lot of people who need help right now,” said Janet Reeves, who has been distributing food for hours.
Carissa Casares with Feeding San Diego called the situation “stress that doesn’t need to happen.”
During a Thursday press conference, county and congressional leaders urged families to access 2-1-1 San Diego online to locate nearby food distribution sites.
“Our county has activated notification protocols that include robocalls and texts to all impacted residents,” said San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe.
Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, said roughly “one in eight people in the United States” will lose the help they need to put food on the table.
County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer said, “I won’t sugarcoat this — what we are looking at is a hunger crisis in our community.”
Back in Escondido, after just half an hour, the food ran out — leaving dozens of families empty-handed and frustrated.
“I think you signed up to take care of the people,” said Emily Arcand. “So, do what you say — take care of your people.”
County officials reminded residents that any funds remaining on CalFresh cards will still be available for use, even during the shutdown.
