Southeast Inyo residents tell supervisors halted commodities, closed cooling centers are risking seniors and families

Residents from Shoshone, Tacopa and other Southeast Inyo communities told the Inyo County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 that the suspension of monthly commodity distributions and limited access to local cooling centers have left seniors and large families struggling to meet basic needs.

The public comments, made during the board's public comment period, came from several long‑time volunteers and residents who said the commodity distribution had been a crucial safety net. "After 35 years of this partnership with the market, they just pull out without any warning whatsoever, leaving people in a panic out here," said John (commenter), during online public comment. "I'm wondering if there's any contingency plan, and what can this council do to help us find a replacement program and or funds to help us help ourselves."

Why it matters: speakers said the commodity distribution served 50 to 60 households in Southeast Inyo and provided essential food for seniors and families with children. They described recent extreme heat and a multi‑day power outage during Labor Day weekend that highlighted gaps in emergency preparedness and in the county's ability to…