SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Tens of thousands of low-income San Franciscans who count on SNAP or CalFresh benefits are in danger of losing critical support this weekend as the government shutdown continues.
On Wednesday, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced an $18 million plan to help.
About 112,000 San Franciscans count on SNAP or CalFresh benefits. That includes 18,000 children and 48,000 seniors.
To make sure no one goes hungry, the city is teaming up with the nonprofit, Crankstart. Together, they are setting aside $18 million for low-income families.
People who count on SNAP or CalFresh to buy groceries are at risk of having their benefits lapse on Nov. 1.
MAP: Bay Area residents set to lose CalFresh benefits Nov. 1 amid government shutdown
Haley Sanger is one of those people.
“That’s kind of shocking, honestly. It’s going to put me out of place a lot,” Sanger said.
On Wednesday, the mayor made a big announcement that San Francisco is stepping up to help.
“Your mayor and your leaders will not let this government shutdown prevent you from putting food on the table for your families,” Lurie said.
Thanks to a reserve fund the city has set aside and a new public-private partnership, there’s relief.
MORE: California sues Trump administration in effort to restore SNAP benefits amid government shutdown
“The city will commit $9 million to this effort from that reserve. We have partnered with Crankstart to match that contribution to double our impact,” Lurie said.
“Crankstart is so proud to commit $9 million to these efforts, and we are grateful to the city and to the mayor for stepping up for our 50/50 match grant and making it a reality of everyone,” said Missy Narula, CEO of Crankstart.
The mayor says every San Franciscan who relies on SNAP benefits will have assistance buying groceries for the month of November.
Sanger counts on $291 of CalFresh benefits a month from the federal government. The announcement means help for her.
“That’s amazing. That’s what we need: more people helping out in our community,” Sanger said.
MORE: Bay Area food banks mobilize as millions set to lose SNAP benefits amid government shutdown
The mayor explained how CalFresh recipients can expect to get help.
“Next week, people receiving CalFresh benefits will get a letter from the Human Services Agency with instructions to access a unique digital or prepaid card they can use at grocery stores citywide,” Lurie said.
Community groups, like Glide, that see lots of families — including those who count on CalFresh as a lifeline — say this partnership is a win for the city.
“What Crankstart is doing is very San Francisco. They care about our families here. No child should go hungry,” said Dr. Gina Fromer, president/CEO of Glide Foundation SF.
The mayor says a partnership between the SF Marin Food Bank and GiveCard will manage fund disbursements.
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