Residents seeking updates and local food distribution information should visit the Yolo Food Bank website at www.YoloFoodBank.org or the Yolo County HHSA website. Photo courtesy of Yolo County

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on federal food assistance, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 4, adopted a budget resolution authorizing $225,000 in one-time tobacco settlement funds to support residents affected by the disruption of CalFresh (SNAP) benefits.

The resolution also authorizes the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) County Administrator to enter into an agreement with the Yolo Food Bank to deliver direct support to impacted community members, with emphasis on West Sacramento and communities across Yolo County.

“Our community values of compassion and collaboration guide our actions during this challenging time,” said Mary Vixie Sandy, chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. “By partnering with the Yolo Food Bank and our local agencies, we are stepping in proactively so that no one in West Sacramento or the wider county is left without access to food and essential resources.”

The federal shutdown has halted the loading of CalFresh benefit payments, which are 100 percent federally funded. In Yolo County, more than 27,000 residents are affected by the benefit lapse. Approximately 18,700 households participate in CalFresh; among them, 2,400 include children under age 10, 3,200 include children under 17, 4,300 include adults age 60 or over, and 2,400 lack a fixed nighttime residence. In September, the county distributed more than $5.6 million in CalFresh benefits to roughly 18,759 households representing 27,622 individuals.

Food insecurity in Yolo County is already elevated, with nearly one in three households reporting food insecurity, and even higher rates among agricultural workers and households with children. These figures underscore how many families in West Sacramento and across the county now face immediate food access pressures.

To address this urgent need, Yolo County is deploying a coordinated, community-driven response. The $225,000 allocation will help families purchase food and supplement existing distribution efforts administered by the Yolo Food Bank. The Food Bank has increased food allocations by 20 percent across nearly 60 regular distribution sites and is working with 47 partner agencies countywide to reach more residents.

Emergency food distributions for CalFresh participants will be held at the county’s HHSA service centers. In Woodland, distributions will take place at 25 N. Cottonwood St. on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. In West Sacramento, distributions will occur at 500 Jefferson Blvd. on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. Additionally, on the UC Davis campus, Yolo Food Bank will deliver food to the Basic Needs Center on Nov. 8 and Nov. 15. Residents in West Sacramento and throughout Yolo County are encouraged to visit the Yolo Food Bank “Find Food” page for updated calendars and locations at www.yolofoodbank.org.

“We’re moving quickly to ensure no family in West Sacramento or elsewhere in Yolo County goes without food during this disruption,” said Monica Morales, director of Yolo County HHSA. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting residents through coordinated, community-driven action.”

Yolo Food Bank’s “Food First” fundraising campaign also invites community members, businesses, and organizations to contribute toward expanded food access during this critical time. The Food Bank reports it serves more than 30,000 households each month, distributing nearly 9.6 million pounds of food annually across the county.

Everyone in West Sacramento is encouraged to volunteer or donate directly through the Yolo Food Bank’s website. Families or individuals needing immediate food resources can view distribution schedules or call 2-1-1 from within Yolo County.

“We are so grateful to be working with the county and our partner agencies to ensure that we are assisting CalFresh recipients and other food-insecure community members in this time of need,” said Karen Baker, executive director of Yolo Food Bank. “We encourage all members of our community, including those in West Sacramento, to join us in this effort by visiting our website and helping wherever possible.”

While these measures are designed to bridge the gap during the current disruption, the county and its partners remain vigilant. Should the federal shutdown persist, Yolo County will continue monitoring and coordinating additional resources to safeguard food access for West Sacramento residents and all communities across the county.

Residents seeking updates and local food distribution information should visit the Yolo Food Bank website at www.YoloFoodBank.org or the Yolo County HHSA website.