The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved up to $1 million in emergency funding to help the Redwood Empire Food Bank provide food for residents affected by the suspension of federal CalFresh benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.
The funds will allow the food bank to expand distribution through January, addressing a projected 20% to 40% increase in local households seeking assistance, county officials said.
The money will also be used to purchase additional protein and culturally responsive foods for families.
“Thousands of Sonoma County families rely on CalFresh to put food on the table,” said Board Chair Lynda Hopkins. “By allocating funds to the Redwood Empire Food Bank, we’re ensuring families have access to healthy food and no one goes hungry while waiting for federal benefits to resume.”
Residents seeking immediate food assistance can visit getfood.refb.org or text “FOOD” at (707) 353-3882 for nearby distribution sites.