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Newsom deploys National Guard and California Volunteers, fast-tracks $80 million to food banks amid benefit cuts
Summary
Judicial orders pushed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds for partial food assistance; Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed the California National Guard and California Volunteers to assist food banks and directed $80,000,000 to food banks to respond to increased demand.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed the California National Guard and California Volunteers to assist food banks and fast-tracked $80,000,000 to state food banks after judges ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to tap contingency funds for partial food assistance to millions affected by a federal shutdown.
The actions are intended to address cuts in federal food benefits that have increased demand at food banks. The National Guard deployment is described by the governor as strictly humanitarian; Newsom said the guard "is in no way serving in a defense capacity." CalGuard and California Volunteers will work behind the scenes at local food bank warehouses to pack boxes, manage deliveries and assist with the flow of supplies.
Brie Tenes reported that the National Guard has been deployed to food banks in San Diego. The initial report said judges have required the USDA to use contingency money to provide partial assistance to "millions affected by the shutdown," though no precise tally of affected people was provided in the report.
Officials did not specify how the governor27s $80,000,000 allocation will be broken down by county, food bank or program, nor did the report include a detailed timeline for distribution. Further operational details were not provided.
