"Food banks are scrambling to keep up with a continued surge in demand as Bay Area families are still recovering from lapses in federal food benefits triggered by the government shutdown. The need could grow even greater as millions nationwide stand to lose benefits once new work requirements kick in next month. Grocery prices, meanwhile, are still rising, adding to the strain on many lower-income households."
""I'm struggling - I've got three boys," said Luis Barragan, while waiting in line outside a busy food pantry in East Oakland. Barragan, 37, said he's yet to receive his food benefits this month and has had to cut back on groceries. Heading into Thanksgiving, hunger relief groups are rushing to fill gaps left by disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, at a time when they would normally be focused on planning their annual holiday food drives."
Food banks in the Bay Area are experiencing a surge in demand as families recover from paused federal food benefits during the government shutdown. Many households are seeking emergency aid even after SNAP payments resumed for November. Second Harvest reported a 300% increase in visits to its online portal for distribution sites. In California, more than 682,000 residents—about 9%—rely on SNAP, with average November payments of $332 per household. Rising grocery prices compound the strain on lower-income families. New nationwide work requirements set to begin next month raise the prospect of further benefit losses and increased demand.
Read at The Mercury News
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