Helping Angelenos: Mayor Bass Takes Immediate Action to Support Food Assistance Amid Federal Government Shutdown

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City Collaborates with County and Community Partners to Ensure Angelenos Have Access to Nutrition

LOS ANGELES - With the federal government shutdown disrupting critical nutrition funding, Mayor Karen Bass is taking urgent action to protect more than 600,000 Angelenos whose CalFresh benefits - California's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - may be delayed starting as soon as November 1.

Two federal court rulings today order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to resume SNAP funding. However it may take several days for funding to reach approximately 600,000 recipients in the City of Los Angeles. In the meantime, Mayor Bass is taking immediate steps to ensure Angelenos who rely on food assistance can continue accessing the nutrition they need immediately.

"The City is committed to ensuring that residents stay informed and supported," said Mayor Karen Bass."No one in Los Angeles should have to worry about putting food on the table because of circumstances beyond their control. We are mobilizing every resource available to help our communities."

Key actions include:

• Partnering with the City's network of FamilySource Centers to distribute fresh foods to families in need.
• Directing the Community Investment for Families Department to set aside available funding through the FamilySource System to assist eligible households with grocery cards.

Residents who rely on food assistance programs are encouraged to continue submitting their Semi-Annual Reports (SAR7) and renewal forms to ensure benefits can be issued as soon as funding is available.

Resources for Angelenos:

City-Provided Resources

• FamilySource Centers operated by the Community Investment for Families Department provide weekly food distribution for low-income individuals and families regardless of immigration status. Click hereto find a center near you.
• The Department of Aging provides a senior meal program. If you are a senior citizen over the age of 60, you may be eligible for free meals at a local senior center or through home delivery. For Information, call 1-800-510-2020 or email [email protected]
• LA City Recreation & Parks Senior Citizen Centerscontinue distributing regular senior meals in coordination with the Department of Aging.

County/State Resources & Other Assistance

• LA Regional Food Bank is operating additional pop-up sites and drive-through pantries across the region to reach more families. Find a Food Bank near you here or call 323-234-3030.
• LAUSD Meal Services for Students: California guarantees two free meals daily for all public school students, Monday-Friday. LAUSD also distributes weekend meal kits for Saturday and Sunday through Grab & Go Food Centers. More information is available hereor call LAUSD's Family Hotline at 213-443-1300.
• LA County Parks & Recreation: The department offers food programs for youth, teens, and seniors. To Learn More, visit https://www.parks.lacounty.gov/lacounty-parks-food-programs.
• L.A. Care Health Planhas committed up to $5.4 million to help ensure families can access food during the federal funding lapse. You can find more information here.
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program):All California WIC agencies are currently operational. Government employees who are furloughed/working without pay may qualify for WIC, if they are pregnant or have a child under age 5, and are encouraged to apply and get WIC to help with grocery costs, even if it's only temporary. To apply for WIC, visit https://www.startwic.orgor text "APPLY" to 91997. To find a WIC location and operation hours, visit https://phfewic.org/en/home
• California Association of Food Banks, the organization that represents 42 food banks throughout the state will continue to operate. Click herefor more information.
• YMCA FeedLA is expanding distribution dates and times to meet the needs for families losing CalFresh benefits. Produce Distribution Sites are available here.
• DoorDash, a food delivery platform, plans to deliver 1 million meals for 300+ Project DASH partnersnationwide, waiving delivery and service fees for 300,000 SNAP recipient grocery orders.

How to Help

For residents who are able to help, please consider donating to local food banks, faith-based organizations, or neighborhood food relief programs.You may also contact your nearest FamilySource Centerto learn more about how to support your community.

Angelenos who rely on CalFresh and other SNAP benefits are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates and benefit distribution timelines by visiting https://www.benefitscal.com

Under Mayor Bass' leadership, City Departments will continue working closely with community partners to ensure Angelenos are supported throughout the shutdown. As impacts evolve, Mayor Bass will remain focused on protecting the most vulnerable and mobilizing every available resource to help families put food on the table.