With the current government shutdown, almost 42 million Americans have not received their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and 6.7 million have not received their WIC (Women Infants and Children). This has not occurred during a government shutdown as funding these programs has always been seen as a priority. While Donald Trump blames the Democrats in congress and calls on them to end the shut down, families in our communities are at risk of going hungry.

If you are in need this time of year, below is a list of resources that can help you access food in these unprecedented times: 

Butte College has the Roadrunner Hub Food Pantry, where students can come and grab a bag of food to help stock their shelves at home. https://www.butte.edu/services/roadrunner-hub/food-resources.php

California State University, Chico, has a program called the Center for Healthy Communities, which publishes a weekly list of local food banks in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties. https://chcfoodassistance.org/local-food-resources/

Lasagna Love is a nonprofit that pairs families requesting a home-cooked meal with volunteers who deliver a homemade lasagna, spreading a sense of community through comfort food. https://lasagnalove.org/request-a-meal/

If you are not in need but are able to assist, there are many ways to support families struggling this season. Donating your time or money is always valuable to organizations serving those in need. If donating food or other items, check expiration dates and contact food banks to confirm what donations are most useful.

Most importantly, call your representatives at every level of government and encourage them to end this shutdown and ensure that our communities are fed. 

To find out who your members of Congress are and get their contact information, check here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member