Uncertainty persists at Bay Area food banks over SNAP funding despite court rulings

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — While every Friday is busy at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, the urgency in the air this week was a little more pronounced.

Dozens of volunteers came to pack boxes for those in need.

The question on everyone’s mind – whether or not SNAP benefits would continue Saturday amid the ongoing government shutdown.

“Food insecurity is higher now than it was at the height of the pandemic. People are really hurting,” said Tanis Crosby, the executive director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.

Live updates: Impact of government shutdown on Bay Area, California SNAP benefits

Amid the political back-and-forth in Washington, two judges ruled Friday against the Trump administration’s efforts to not use emergency money to continue funding the SNAP program into November.

A decision State Senator Scott Wiener says he hopes the president abides by.

“He doesn’t always follow court orders, and I’m sure they’ll appeal. So while all of that is playing out, we need to be strong here,” Wiener said.

Even if the funding comes through, experts say it’s possible SNAP recipients won’t receive any money over the next week.

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To help combat the growing crisis, the food bank has partnered with local company DoorDash.

“We know that during the month of November, especially right during the holidays, that the need does rise. We’ve already seen so much outreach from food bank folks who are not currently our Project Dash partners, coming to us saying we need additional resources,” said DoorDash’s Victor Ruiz-Cornejo.

Wiener says if SNAP benefits are cut, the impact will be felt by everyone.

The program pumps billions of dollars in the economy every year.

MORE: Hundreds of thousands of CA college students brace for loss of food benefits

“When you cut food benefits it hurts grocery stores. Not just big supermarkets but local corner stores who sell produce and accept food stamps,” Wiener said.

Food bank leadership says they’re anticipating harder times for the foreseeable future.

That’s why they’re working to expand their programs for the people they serve in the two counties.

“It’s important that we double down our efforts to not only make sure that we have food for what people need today, but that we’re working to prevent the hunger that is on the horizon and will be increasing without further action,” said Crosby.