Millions of Californians receiving CalFresh food assistance benefits are expected to be impacted by the federal government shutdown. Approximately 270,000 people in Sacramento County receive these benefits—including 90,000 children under the age of 18. The Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance is notifying local CalFresh recipients of potential impacts through multiple communication channels.
CalFresh is the primary nutrition safety net in California, providing nine meals for every one a food bank provides. The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is joining other local agencies in spreading the message that anyone in immediate need of food assistance should call 2-1-1 or visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org/find-food to locate local food resources.
Make a Donation or Volunteer
The public is encouraged to make a donation to a local food bank. Right now, monetary donations are the most useful, because purchasing power can stretch donations much further and can buy a lot more food than individuals.
The Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services online navigator tool also lists the nearest food banks to donate food or volunteer. To maximize the usefulness of donations, please call first to ask what is needed.