As dusk settled outside Porterville City Hall on Tuesday evening, a stream of families, church groups, and neighbors arrived, carrying bags of groceries and other daily essentials. One by one, they stepped forward and placed their donations inside a city transit bus — slowly filling the aisle, the seats, and the steps.

What began as a conversation about preparedness and community care has now become Porterville’s newest tradition: Stuff the Bus, a city-led food and household essentials drive aimed at helping local families navigate the difficulties life may bring, especially in the months ahead.

City officials say the effort is a proactive response to the potential loss of $50 million per month in SNAP and cash aid countywide due to a federal government shutdown. The impact could affect

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