California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of the California National Guard and California Volunteers to assist food banks during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

This measure echoes a similar action taken early in the COVID-19 pandemic when National Guard members helped distribute food to families in need.

The big picture: Guard members deployed in this operation will not serve in law enforcement roles but will focus solely on supporting the distribution of food supplies. • The move is part of a broader effort by Governor Newsom to expedite state funding and resources to food banks responding to heightened demand. • Newsom has expressed concerns that the federal government shutdown threatens the CalFresh program (federally known as SNAP), which provides food benef

See Full Page