Bay Area food banks mobilize as millions set to lose SNAP benefits amid government shutdown

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- Bay Area food banks and community nonprofits are mobilizing to help thousands of people who could lose their federal food assistance benefits on Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues.

Nearly 150 families in Santa Rosa attended a weekly distribution of fresh produce, dairy products, and canned goods on Monday, organized by the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

RELATED: Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

"It's a godsend," said Wanda Harris.

Harris from Windsor says the food she gets here is a lifeline, but she's worried her federal SNAP or CalFresh benefits won't be paid next month.

"I can go without a few meals, but there are some families with children who can't. I just pray they'll come to a resolution soon because it's affecting so many people in so many different ways," said Harris.

Nearly every state in the country is warning millions of low-income Americans they won't receive federal food assistance in November if the shutdown continues. The food bank is now prepping for that possibility.

"Folks have called the food bank seeking us out because they're worried benefits aren't coming in November. We are planning ahead to see how we can help them," said Arturo Ornelas from the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

RELATED: Could halt in SNAP benefits, paychecks pressure lawmakers to strike shutdown deal?

The food bank has about 300 distributions every month. The plan is to add more food to every site.

"We have designed some high-capacity sites so we can serve more people," said Ornelas.

"Families are in crisis, families are scared," said Liliana Palu.

At the nonprofit North Marin Community Services in Novato, Palu is helping families secure housing in the North Bay, but access to food is everything.

"Everything affects the household; in order for households to thrive, they need food, basic needs," said Palu.

This agency expects many more people will need help from its food pantry soon; currently, there's a waitlist of 100 families.

"We are accepting any donations of shelf-stable foods," Palu said.

Bay Area food banks and other nonprofits are also asking for cash donations during a very uncertain time.

"I pray the resolution will end soon; it's gone on way too long," Harris said.