Alameda County pledges help for families hit by food benefits freeze We have your back - Local News Matters

Alameda County officials announced a plan to aid residents suffering from food insecurity as federal SNAP benefits remain frozen during the government shutdown. County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas disclosed that over $1. 5 million will be distributed to local food banks, alongside an additional $8. 3 million in aid currently being processed from Measure W funds. With 179,000 county residents relying on SNAP and 400,000 estimated to be food insecure, the need for immediate assistance is critical.

The Alameda County Community Food Bank is working closely with the county to maximize food distribution efforts. Executive director Regi Young indicated that the crisis has deepened, with demand for food pantries surpassing levels seen during the pandemic. Elected officials, including U. S. Rep.

Lateefah Simon and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, condemned the Trump administration for its inaction, emphasizing the impact on low-income families. Bas reiterated the message that "food is a human right" and urged residents to seek help without fear of immigration status inquiries. A federal court recently ruled that the Trump administration must utilize emergency funds to sustain SNAP benefits, highlighting ongoing legal battles surrounding food assistance.