San Francisco Steps Up to Support Thousands of Low-Income Residents Amid Government Shutdown.
As the government shutdown enters its second week, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced an ambitious plan to help low-income residents who rely on SNAP or CalFresh benefits. The city is committing $18 million to support these families, which will be matched by a nonprofit organization called Crankstart Foundation.
According to data from the Human Services Agency, over 112,000 San Franciscans count on SNAP or CalFresh benefits, including 18,000 children and 48,000 seniors. If funding doesn't increase soon, many of these families risk losing critical support this weekend.
Mayor Lurie emphasized that no one in San Francisco should go hungry, especially during the government shutdown. To make sure everyone has access to groceries, the city is partnering with Crankstart Foundation to set aside $18 million. The city will contribute $9 million from a reserve fund and match it with an additional $9 million from a new public-private partnership.
Crankstart CEO Missy Narula praised the city's efforts, saying that her organization is committed to helping families who are struggling financially. "What Crankstart is doing is very San Francisco. They care about our families here. No child should go hungry."
Residents like Haley Sanger, who relies on $291 in monthly CalFresh benefits, expressed gratitude for the city's support. The new plan means that she and many others will have access to groceries for the month of November.
To administer the funds, San Francisco is partnering with the SF Marin Food Bank and GiveCard. Under this arrangement, families receiving SNAP or CalFresh benefits will receive a letter with instructions on how to access their funds at participating grocery stores citywide.
As the government shutdown continues, community groups like Glide Foundation are hailing the partnership as a win for the city. "What Crankstart is doing is very San Francisco. They care about our families here. No child should go hungry," said Dr. Gina Fromer, president/CEO of Glide Foundation SF.
The partnership underscores the importance of community support during times of crisis. By working together, cities like San Francisco can help ensure that their most vulnerable residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.
As the government shutdown enters its second week, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced an ambitious plan to help low-income residents who rely on SNAP or CalFresh benefits. The city is committing $18 million to support these families, which will be matched by a nonprofit organization called Crankstart Foundation.
According to data from the Human Services Agency, over 112,000 San Franciscans count on SNAP or CalFresh benefits, including 18,000 children and 48,000 seniors. If funding doesn't increase soon, many of these families risk losing critical support this weekend.
Mayor Lurie emphasized that no one in San Francisco should go hungry, especially during the government shutdown. To make sure everyone has access to groceries, the city is partnering with Crankstart Foundation to set aside $18 million. The city will contribute $9 million from a reserve fund and match it with an additional $9 million from a new public-private partnership.
Crankstart CEO Missy Narula praised the city's efforts, saying that her organization is committed to helping families who are struggling financially. "What Crankstart is doing is very San Francisco. They care about our families here. No child should go hungry."
Residents like Haley Sanger, who relies on $291 in monthly CalFresh benefits, expressed gratitude for the city's support. The new plan means that she and many others will have access to groceries for the month of November.
To administer the funds, San Francisco is partnering with the SF Marin Food Bank and GiveCard. Under this arrangement, families receiving SNAP or CalFresh benefits will receive a letter with instructions on how to access their funds at participating grocery stores citywide.
As the government shutdown continues, community groups like Glide Foundation are hailing the partnership as a win for the city. "What Crankstart is doing is very San Francisco. They care about our families here. No child should go hungry," said Dr. Gina Fromer, president/CEO of Glide Foundation SF.
The partnership underscores the importance of community support during times of crisis. By working together, cities like San Francisco can help ensure that their most vulnerable residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.