Dear Neighbor,
Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, CalFresh food assistance benefits, which are funded by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lapse Saturday, Nov. 1—unless Congress takes immediate action or the courts intervene. This means that money will not be added at the beginning of the month to EBT cards. If you have unused funds on your EBT card, you can continue to use those funds until they are depleted. For more information, please visit the state’s CalFresh FAQ webpage. The California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides food benefits to families with pregnancies and children under 5, is not impacted and benefits will continue for WIC recipients.
Berkeleyside has prepared a list of resources for those in need of food assistance and those wishing to help.
The City’s Health, Housing and Community Services Department has also prepared a list of resources that I am sharing below.
Finally, my office reached out to Berkeley Food Network in District 1 to find out what we can do to support this vital community food pantry and distribution site. Here is how you can help:
- Donations: Berkeley Food Network needs support to ensure they are here for our community. Contributions go directly to sourcing food, recruiting volunteers, and operating programs. To make a gift, please go HERE.
- Corporate Sponsorships & Contributions: Berkeley Food Network is looking to expand its relationships with mission-oriented businesses seeking to support the community during this challenging time. This can come in the form of grants, sponsorships, or even social media awareness.
- In-Kind & Food Donations: Berkeley Food Network is sourcing food from local businesses, producers and community members. To make a food donation, please e-mail development@berkeleyfoodnetwork.org.
- Volunteer: Berkeley Food Network is always looking for volunteers to help operate its food pantries, deliver groceries to community members, and help raise awareness at local events. To become a volunteer, go HERE.
Please check on your neighbors during this challenging time and feel free to reach out to my office if you have questions or need assistance – rkesarwani@berkeleyca.gov or 510-981-7110
