"Scores of cars snaked around the block near Sunnyvale Community Services Wednesday, stretching towards the main road as a steady flow of people sought food throughout the morning. Amid continuing confusion over SNAP benefits, the nonprofit is seeing demand for its food bank peak to the highest levels since the end of COVID aid. Even as the government shutdown appears to be coming an end, food banks say the increased need highlights hidden financial struggles"
"with President Donald Trump's administration warning that SNAP benefits would not be funded during the shut down, a court order stipulating that funds be released and then federal officials ordering states to undo spending. "We've never seen this kind of cutting of benefits," said Marie Bernard, Executive Director of Sunnyvale Community Services. "It's heartbreaking the cruelty that we're seeing - there's just no other word for it.""
"Last week, California officials began releasing funds to CalFresh recipients in the state, but uncertainty remains as to whether the move will face federal blowback and if the funds for December will come on time. "It's rough out here... (Trump is) making everybody suffer, even the Democrats, they're not doing nothing," said Russell Rickard of San Jose while picking up food from Sunnyvale Community Services. "Food is going up again and people are having trouble. I hope it works out.""
Scores of cars formed long lines at Sunnyvale Community Services as many people sought food amid confusion over SNAP benefits. The nonprofit reports demand at its food bank peaking to the highest levels since COVID-era aid ended. A federal-state tug of war during the government shutdown produced warnings that SNAP would not be funded, a court order to release funds, and federal orders to undo spending. California began releasing CalFresh funds, but uncertainty remains about federal responses and timely December payouts. Short delays or cuts in benefits can force households to miss utility or rent payments.
Read at The Mercury News
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