Gavin Newsom deploys California’s National Guard to aid food banks

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he will deploy the state’s National Guard and California Volunteers to help food banks.

“I’m expediting state funds for food banks and directing the California National Guard and California Volunteers to help distribute this food to families,” Newsom said in an Oct. 22 news release, indicating that the California National Guard will be under his command. “As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, California is working to ensure CalFresh recipients don’t go hungry while food prices are spiking under President Trump.”

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The recent move comes amid an ongoing government shutdown threatening to halt the CalFresh program. Known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, CalFresh provides food benefits to approximately 5.5 million California residents. On Oct. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the federal food aid program, issued a letter to regional SNAP directors saying “there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation” if the shutdown prevails.

“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract — it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious, this is urgent — and requires immediate action,” Newsom stated. “Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps.”

The governor added that the California National Guard will not be acting as law enforcement. Additionally, Newsom “is fast-tracking upwards of $80 million in state support ahead of funding delays triggered by the shutdown,” per the statement.