LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, Assemblymember Mark González, Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, and Congressman Jimmy Gomez came together to call on Congress and the Federal Administration to release funding for SNAP benefits. The members also announced two major state responses to the congressional republicans' delay in benefits. This included:

• The new partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, FeedLA, to distribute $7.5 million worth of food across the 29 LA County YMCA facilities.
• $80 million was fast-tracked to food banks across California.

As Congressional Republicans continue to force a government shutdown and hold billions of dollars of aid hostage, California has decided to choose families over political gambits. Bolstering food bank resources will ensure all families can access free food while Trump continues his tantrum.

"Once again, I am utterly confused by congressional Republicans' choice to hold health care and food assistance benefits hostage," said Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles). "This is just further evidence that Republicans choose politics over the lives of even their own constituents. Maybe it's time for Trump to put down the plans for his billionaire ballroom and come to the table with solutions. Lives are on the line, and Americans will remember who is at fault."

"Trump is ignoring a court order and literally taking food off the table for millions, denying groceries to kids and seniors, and leaving families at the mercy of his Republican shutdown," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). "It's un-American. We are doing everything possible to fill in this awful gap so that families don't go hungry during the holidays."

"While Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington are shutting down the government and cutting off food assistance for millions, California leaders are stepping up," said Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA D-34). "This $7.5 million investment in the YMCA will keep working families fed and kids healthy. It's a reminder that in Los Angeles, we're not just helping our neighbors, we're setting a national example."

What is FeedLA?

Angelenos, regardless of status, can access groceries, a warm meal, or at-home deliveries through their local YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Food distribution varies by site, so any resident interested can visit the YMCA's website at https://www.ymcala.org/programs/social/feedla/.

Why The YMCA?

For almost 150 years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has been a trusted messenger and haven for Angelenos. With almost 4 million pounds of food distributed this year and $3 million in financial assistance awarded to community members, the YMCA is at the center of bridging equity gaps and ensuring access to critical services in times of need.

"My heart is heavy knowing that millions of children and families across our country are unsure where their next meal will come from," said Victor Dominguez, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. "This is not an abstract statistic - it's a painful reality playing out in our neighborhoods every day. At the LA Y, we have made a clear and unwavering commitment: no child and no family will go hungry. All 29 of our Centers for Community Well-Being across L.A. County will serve as food distribution sites, and many will also provide home deliveries to reach those who cannot come to us. Together, we can ensure that no family faces hunger alone."

The Stats Prove, Los Angeles is Being Hit Hard:

In California, over 5.5 million people receive benefits through CalFresh-nearly 2 million of whom are children. In Assembly District 54, the LA County Department of Public Social Services estimates 120,000 households are currently eligible to receive benefits. As one of the nation's largest anti-hunger and poverty programs, CalFresh is not just a food program; it is a lifeline for families across AD 54.

"The SNAP crisis our country has been intentionally thrust into is a human rights crisis. SNAP is the nation's oldest and best functioning hunger relief safety net," said Rick Nahmias, Founder and CEO of Food Forward. "When it is cut, families do not just lose food. They lose access to nutrition, stability, and dignity. That is why we are stepping up. Food Forward, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan LA, with support from L.A. CARE, has activated an emergency expansion, more than doubling our YMCA produce distribution sites from 13 to 29 countywide. Food justice is not optional; it is essential infrastructure. And today, we recommit to protecting every family's right to fresh, healthy food."

*Additional Photos Available Upon Request*
The event recording can be found here.

Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.

CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; [email protected]; (916) 335-8871 Kyle Johnson; [email protected]; (925) 549-2030