Food justice groups in East Bay intensify efforts against hunger crisis fueled by SNAP disruption

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) -- Thousands of households in Contra Costa County are facing food insecurity due to a disruption in SNAP benefits caused by the government shutdown.

Local food justice organizations, including the Food Security Collaborative, are stepping up efforts to ensure no one goes hungry during this crisis.

"We don’t want anyone to go hungry," said Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa Executive Director of Development and External Relations Jeanette Kennedy.

Claudia L. Ramirez, the Executive Director of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, noted, "We’ve seen an increase in our pantries anywhere from 45-200%."

The Loaves and Fishes food program in Contra Costa County, which provides hot meals to those in need,