Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Little Free Libraries Turn Into Food Pantries as SNAP Disruptions Hit California

Local volunteers with nonprofits step in because partial federal payments left benefits unreliable.

Overview

  • Residents in Novato and Sunland repurposed Little Free Libraries into small food pantries, with organizers pledging to restock during the shutdown.
  • The YMCA in Los Angeles expanded food distributions to 28 centers and plans weekly events open to anyone needing groceries.
  • State Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez said his office secured $7.5 million for YMCA Los Angeles to bolster food programs during the shortfall.
  • Some CalFresh recipients reported EBT cards stopped working on November 1 despite available balances, adding uncertainty to reduced November payments.
  • North Marin Community Services, a San Francisco–Marin Food Bank host site, served 275 families with a waitlist of 100 and requested items like canned fish, nut butters, and soups.