It’s early morning and volunteers are packing fresh fruit and vegetables into bags at the Food Bank for Monterey County’s warehouse in Salinas.
Behind them are rows of shelves. Many contain cartons of food, but others sit empty, raising alarm bells for the non profit’s CEO, Melissa Kendrick.
”Usually you come in here and we would have our shelves fully stocked and then some, so we can keep up with the need,” Kendrick said. “This is particularly concerning because what it shows me is how much more food we're distributing if we have empty shelves.”
The Food Bank, already reeling from federal cuts to some programs, is bracing for more demand. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known in California as CalFresh, helps low-income families buy food. But current benefits expire this weekend, and the federal government shutdown may halt funding for November.
Over 50,000 people in Monterey County rely on CalFresh, and food pantries in the region are preparing for the surging need as they expect many of those recipients to come for help.
The Food Bank works with about 150 partners—food pantries and other nonprofits—to distribute the food. Kendrick says they serve approximately 160,000 people every month. That’s more than one-third of the county’s total population. And over the past few months, the food lines have gotten longer, according to program manager Lilian Martinez.
“We're packing more food, using more food, taking out more food,” Martinez said. “Our supply and food goes down because of the massive demand, so that means more ordering and spending more dollars.”
County officials are encouraging people to reach out for help, including calling 211 to find a nearby food pantry.
During a county news conference on Wednesday, Annette Gallegos with the social services department said CalFresh recipients should continue submitting paperwork to the state.
“Even though it is very concerning and disheartening for those families, we do need them to continue submitting their semi-annual reports and annual re-certification," she said, "so that they continue to receive their services once the shutdown ends.”
Two federal judges have ordered the Trump Administration to use emergency funds to cover some food benefits. But any changes likely won’t come until at least next week.
Back at the Food Bank, boxes are ready for the afternoon’s distribution to pantries across the county, as Kendrick hopes for the government shutdown to end soon.
“It’s particularly heart-wrenching because this is a man-made disruption,” she said. “This didn't have to happen.
