June 1, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Southern California Food Banks Brace for Surge in Demand as Emergency Allotments End

Local food banks urge community support as Southern Californians face heightened food insecurity

Local food banks in Southern California are bracing themselves for a surge in demand as the emergency allotments and additional benefits under CalFresh, California’s version of the federal food stamps program, which ended March 26. This is likely to result in many recipients losing hundreds of dollars per month.

CalFresh currently serves over 1.5 million people in Los Angeles County and over 665,000 people in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The average recipient is set to lose around $82 per month, while families could lose up to $200 per month.

With the ending of benefits, local area food banks are preparing for a potential “hunger cliff.” Rising costs for groceries, housing, and utilities in a volatile economy are putting more of a strain on the millions of Southern Californians that rely on CalFresh.

Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica is already unsure if it will be able to handle the anticipated increase in demand for food supplies. 

“With the loss of these pandemic-era benefits, we are facing a severe escalation in hunger,” said Westside Food Bank President and CEO Genevieve Riutort.

According to Westside Food Bank, they are already providing the equivalent of 1.7 million more meals than they were before the pandemic. The organization is urging the community to come together to help their neighbors in need during this difficult time.

Those who wish to donate to the Westside Food Bank can do so by clicking here. For those seeking food pantries near them, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank website offers a directory of such pantries.

in News
Related Posts

Free Meals for WGA Members During Strike at Bob’s Big Boy and Swingers Diner

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Comedian and Host Drew Carey Is Paying For Meals For Striking WGA Members By Dolores Quintana As the Writers Guild...

Mercedes Bar & Grille Giving Discounts for Hawaiian Attire This Summer

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

The Restaurant Serves  Nouveau Latin Cuisine By Zach Armstrong Mercedes Bar and Grille, located at 14 W Washington Blvd in...

Barbecue for Tech Networking Coming to Venice

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

The Event Will Take Place at Podshare Venice. By Zach Armstrong California organization Startup Coil will celebrate LA Tech Week...

Inaugural “Rosé on Rose” Wine Fest Coming to Venice

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

There Will Be Celebrations With Tastings, Music, Vendors, Art and a Disco Recovery Lounge. Locals can embrace the spirit of...

(Video) Did You Know Venice Library Has a Book Club?

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

The Venice Library’s Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month. @yovenicenews Did you know Venice Library has...

Stabbing Victim Found Dead in Pathway

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Victim Was Discovered on the Ground Between Residences on Washington Boulevard. The Los Angeles Police Department has initiated an...

Author to Discuss Picture Book at Venice Library

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Work Pays Homage to the City of Cairo, Egypt, Its People, and Culture. Author Zeena Pliska will discuss her...

(Video) Renovated Office Space Up For Lease Next To Venice Beach

May 29, 2023

May 29, 2023

78 Market Street provides adjacent restaurant space and is a few blocks away from the beach. @yovenicenews Renovated office and...

Pandemic-Induced Rent Debt Crisis Threatens Housing Stability

May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023

Low-Wage Workers and Communities of Color Disproportionately Affected By Dolores Quintana  Rental debt is an out-of-control problem that has worsened...

Viennese Architect-Designed Home on Market for $5.2M

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Home Marks the Austrian team’s inaugural U.S. Project. Situated within close proximity to Abbot Kinney and Venice Beach, this...

Heir of Hong Kong Real Estate Empire Buys Venice Home

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Home Boasts a Pristine White Aesthetic Illuminated by Natural Light. Elaine Chen-Fernandez, a principal heir to one of Hong...

(Video) Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The METRO and public bus system has reportedly been a large factor in Santa Monica’s homeless population. @yovenicenews Homelessness in...

Health Advisory: Los Angeles County Health Warns Against Swimming This Weekend

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Public Health Issues Caution as Bacterial Levels Exceed Health Standards  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents...

Collection Device Diverts 155K Pounds of Trash Near Ballona Creek In Seven Months

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Machine Is a Fully-Automated, Solar-Powered Trash Collection Device. By Zach Armstrong The Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor 007, developed by...

Stolen Vehicle Chase Ends With Standoff in Venice

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

The chase ended at Thatcher Ave. And Marina Pointe Dr. Law enforcement officials engaged in a standoff with an individual...