City of San Mateo steps up food assistance as federal shutdown halts CalFresh benefits
San Mateo, California – The City of San Mateo is working hard to help people who are affected by the federal government shutdown, which has stopped CalFresh food assistance benefits. Local leaders are letting people know that there are several reliable food assistance groups that can help right now.
The city is committed to making sure that no one goes hungry during this difficult time, Mayor Rob Newsom said.
“Residents are feeling real stress as CalFresh benefits are disrupted,” Mayor Newsom. “No one in our community should worry about going without food. Support is here, and we’re committed to connecting anyone in need with reliable local resources.”
Samaritan House is the city’s principal partner in helping residents get meals in an emergency. The facility is at 4031 Pacific Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call them at (650) 347-3648. The Homeless Help Center run by St. Vincent de Paul at 50 N. B Street also helps people and families who don’t have enough food.
If you need a meal right now, you can go to the Samaritan House Kitchen at the same Pacific Blvd. address or LifeMoves’ First Step for Families at 325 Villa Terrace. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is also still in charge of setting up food distribution sites all across San Mateo. The organization’s website and the San Mateo Event Center’s weekly distribution page have information about schedules and pickup places nearby.
The Bay Tree Bistro Lunch Program, which runs at two local community centers, gives seniors access to cheap meals. The San Mateo Senior Center serves meals three times a week for $7, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center serves meals twice a week for a suggested $5 donation.
The city is also asking people and companies to assist make the food supply in the area more stable. The San Mateo County Human Services Agency, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and the County’s Edible Food Recovery Program are all looking for donations and volunteers. The Edible Food Recovery Program saves extra food and cuts down on waste. Samaritan House is seeking both cash and food donations. Every dollar helps make four meals.
“San Mateo is a compassionate community, and many families are feeling the effects of the federal shutdown,” said City Manager Alex Khojikian. “We want residents to know that help is close by. Our nonprofit partners, including Samaritan House, St. Vincent de Paul and Second Harvest, are ready to support anyone who needs food assistance.”
Read also: Court sides with California in lawsuit protecting school-based mental health programs
Through collaboration, volunteerism, and generosity, San Mateo continues to ensure that neighbors facing hardship receive the help they need — one meal at a time.
