As the government shutdown reaches day 40, Bay Area businesses are stepping up to help struggling families who are cut off from SNAP food benefits. A free grocery shopping spree brought a huge response from members of the South Bay community.
Families are doing their Sunday grocery shopping, grabbing everything they need.
It’s something Sabrina Phillips hasn’t been able to do since her SNAP benefits were frozen.
“I got a little bit of everything, poultry, beef eggs, things that are so expensive,” Phillips said.
Arteagas Food Center in East San Jose is offered a free one day shopping spree to the community, now feeling the pinch from the government shutdown.
“This is our way to give back so they have something to eat during this time,” said Alfredo Lopez.
**Live updates: [Impac…
As the government shutdown reaches day 40, Bay Area businesses are stepping up to help struggling families who are cut off from SNAP food benefits. A free grocery shopping spree brought a huge response from members of the South Bay community.
Families are doing their Sunday grocery shopping, grabbing everything they need.
It’s something Sabrina Phillips hasn’t been able to do since her SNAP benefits were frozen.
“I got a little bit of everything, poultry, beef eggs, things that are so expensive,” Phillips said.
Arteagas Food Center in East San Jose is offered a free one day shopping spree to the community, now feeling the pinch from the government shutdown.
“This is our way to give back so they have something to eat during this time,” said Alfredo Lopez.
Live updates: Impact of government shutdown on Bay Area, California SNAP benefits
Market owner, Alfredo Lopez is stepping up, giving $100 grocery vouchers to families in need. Sponsors and donations are making it possible.
“When they first announced the SNAP shutdown, you had people coming in out of necessity trying to take groceries because they had no SNAP, trying to walk out with groceries. So you see the effect it’s causing in the community now,” Lopez added.
“It means a lot, we were really scared about what was going one with the benefits, so this is protection I guess,” said Phillips.
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Me and my daughter are on CalFresh now,“ Rosa Castaneda said.
Castaneda is a student, trying to make ends meet for her family but it’s tough.
“It feels like the world is on fire, and no one is paying attention to us really,” Casteneda said.
MORE: Trump administration demands states ‘undo’ full SNAP payouts as states warn of ‘catastrophic impact’
San Jose City Council Member Peter Ortiz says there’s lot of confusion, with some SNAP benefits being restored, others paused by the federal government.
“Families are struggling, this is the worst time for this to happen, leading up to Thanksgiving when many Latino and immigrant families gather.
MORE: Californians starting to see SNAP benefits reinstated, SF residents also get extra food aid
California families are starting to get their SNAP benefits as the fight to get full funding from the Trump administration continues.
There’s enough vouchers for 380 households but more than 600 people showed up, some standing in line for hours.
People who don’t get a voucher can take home everything from a mobile pantry; beans, snacks, tomatoes, lots of fruits and vegetables.
Sabrina says she’s grateful to get what she can during this super stressful time.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. This is very, very helpful,” Phillips added.
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