Body of News Release
UPDATE 11/4: The Board approved the allocation of emergency funding.
Marin County, CA — Marin County leaders are mobilizing an emergency response to address the rapidly evolving situation surrounding the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh shutdown and the growing risk of food insecurity across the community.
Approximately 15,500 Marin residents are expected to lose access to critical food benefits beginning November 1, with local food banks and community partners already experiencing surges in demand.
At its November 4 meeting, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider a recommendation to allocate $800,000 in emergency funding — approximately $200,000 per week — to provide direct food assistance to CalFresh recipients during the federal shutdown.
If approved, the funds will be distributed in close coordination with the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) and the SF-Marin Food Bank to ensure timely and equitable delivery of support to those most in need. County Executive Derek Johnson and Dr. Lisa Warhuus, Director of Marin Health & Human Services (HHS), would be authorized to determine the most effective distribution method in alignment with the partners’ existing food access strategies.
“Ensuring food security is central to our mission and to the health of our community,” said Dr. Lisa Warhuus, Director of Marin HHS. “In moments like these, our local partnerships and community compassion truly shine. Marin has a long tradition of coming together to support one another, and we’re seeing that spirit again as organizations, volunteers, and neighbors step up to ensure no one goes hungry. Every act of generosity — whether it’s donating to a local fund, volunteering, or checking in on a neighbor — helps strengthen the safety net that holds our community together.”
In addition to the County’s proposed contribution, the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) has established the Food on Every Table Fund, committing $500,000 to launch a community giving and matching campaign. Community members, businesses, and nonprofits who want to help are urged to donate monetary funds through the Food on Every Table Fund to support Marin’s coordinated food response. to support Marin’s coordinated food response.
"When federal responsibilities go unmet, counties are often the last line of defense, and Marin is stepping up,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “The Board of Supervisors prudently set aside contingency funding last year to prepare for periods of federal uncertainty, ensuring we can respond when federal actions threaten essential services. While these are limited, one-time dollars that must be used carefully for the most critical needs, we are committed to ensuring no one in Marin goes hungry. This proposed County funding and the Marin Community Foundation's fundraising campaign offer vital local support, but we cannot replace the scale of federal programs."
Check the Marin HHS website for updates, food resources, and information on how to help.