North Bay nonprofits help fight food insecurity during SNAP crisis

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) — In the North Bay, concerns and confusion about when SNAP benefits could be paid, is driving more people to local food banks for assistance and many local nonprofits are stepping up to help.

There was long line of people waiting for groceries at this distribution in Santa Rosa. The Redwood Empire Food Bank is expecting to help even more families, as SNAP benefits run dry for thousands, due to the government shutdown.

“Based on the calls and conversations we’ve had with participants, we’ve been increasing the number of not only senior baskets but our bounty over here, veggies and fruits,” said Miguel Corona, Redwood Empire Food Bank Program Manager.

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The Trump Administration says it will provide only half of the normal SNAP food benefits for November by tapping into the programs contingency fund but getting the payments to recipients could take weeks.

“I’m already really low on food, it sucks. I don’t have a job because I have a lot of medical problems,” said Giovanni Brown.

“I don’t see how they take away the food stamps, not really for me but there’s little kids who need to eat, and that’s not right,” said Michael Garcia.

In Novato, nonprofit North Marin Community Services is making room for a lot of food donations, boxes and bags full of food was dropped off by neighbors Monday when their food pantry opened.

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“We’re bracing ourselves for at least the month of November, being there for the community, getting food on their tables,” said Kate Shilvock, North Marin Community Services VP of Philanthropy and Operations.

Marin Humane is putting out the call for pet food donations and so far, the community is stepping up big time with bags of food for dogs and cats to help SNAP recipients during this tough time.

“We all know how much we love our pets and so to be faced with having to decide between pet food for them or food for our families, it’s a scary proposition,” said Lisa Bloch from Marin Humane.

Bloch says the donations will be taken to local food banks for distribution.