California Deploys National Guard and State Volunteers to Support Food Banks During Federal Shutdown
Photo Credit: Office of the Governor of California
LOS ANGELES, October 25, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The State of California has deployed members of the California National Guard and California Volunteers to assist food banks across the state as the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The deployment, directed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is being coordinated under the leadership of the California Department of Social Services. The first operation began at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, where service members assisted with packing and distributing food to families facing food insecurity. The Governor also expedited $80 million in state funds to food banks to address shortages caused by the lapse in federal funding.
“I’m proud to see the first successful humanitarian deployment of California Volunteers and the California National Guard to food banks to assist and serve communities in need while failures at the federal level permit an ongoing government shutdown. As SNAP delays hit dinner tables right before the holiday season, the state is working hard to keep families from going hungry. The efforts seen today will be ongoing and available to food banks across California that request greater assistance,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“I’m deeply proud of our California National Guard and California Volunteers for their efforts to keep families fed. This is what true service looks like. They are on the frontlines, showing up for our communities, getting essential food to California families who have been left waiting as the Trump administration turns its back, deepening hunger and hardship across the country. Service to one another is our greatest strength, and California is working to ensure this effort continues across food banks statewide,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
“Today, the California Military Department is on the ground supporting food bank operations in Los Angeles. We are grateful to play a crucial role in this effort and honored to serve our communities once again. We are supporting our interagency partners at Cal OES, CDSS, and Cal Volunteers, and proud to be part of this incredible team,” said Major General Matthew P. Beevers.
“Today, Governor Newsom deployed the California National Guard and California Service Corps on a humanitarian mission to protect Californian families and kids from going hungry. At a time when DC is shut down, we are stepping up,” said GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.
The Guard’s humanitarian mission involves logistics support such as packing boxes, managing deliveries, and moving supplies to meet increased food demand. More than 25,000 pounds of fresh produce and fruit have been sorted and packaged between Guard members and civilian volunteers.
The California National Guard routinely supports state humanitarian and emergency missions, including wildfire response, public health initiatives, and logistics operations. During this deployment, the Guard operates under state command and does not engage in immigration enforcement activities.
The federal shutdown has delayed CalFresh benefits for approximately 5.5 million recipients in California, according to the state. Food bank assistance is expected to continue as needed across multiple regions until federal operations resume.
For more information, visit www.gov.ca.gov.
