California National Guard to assist food banks amid government shutdown

(NBC, KYMA) - Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) is deploying the California National Guard to help food banks across the state as the government shutdown continues.

Gov. Newsom announced Wednesday he is directing federal troops, as well as the state agency "California Volunteers," to help strengthen food distribution to families.

The governor is also fast-tracking up to $80 million to assist with funding delays stemming from the shutdown.

Nearly 5.5 million californians are at risk of not receiving their CalFresh benefits, with the state's Department of Social Services telling recipients Monday that assistance may soon be unavailable.

However, newly enrolled recipients who signed up for CalFresh during the second half of October would be the first people impacted by any delays.