With the federal government shutdown threatening to disrupt food assistance next month, Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones have issued an urgent call for community action to protect vulnerable Pasadena residents.
The city leaders have invited nonprofit directors, faith organizations, community-based groups, and philanthropic partners to a special meeting from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave., or online at www.cityofpasadena.net/
In a joint statement released Monday, Gordo and Jones warned that if the shutdown continues past October 31, new federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments—known in California as CalFresh—will stop for November due to insufficient federal funding.
“Here in Pasadena, one in eight residents relies on programs like CalFresh to feed their families,” the letter states. “The loss of this critical support would be devastating for those directly affected, including our seniors, children, and local businesses”.
The joint statement follows Jones’ call for a special meeting. In a statement emailed to Pasadena Now on Sunday, Councilmember Jones urged swift local action as the federal shutdown threatens to cut off Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions nationwide.
Wednesday’s meeting is not a meeting of the City Council, but is an ad hoc meeting with stakeholders.
More than 40 million Americans, including one in eight Pasadena residents, could lose access to food aid if the U.S. Department of Agriculture withholds contingency funds in November. He warned that rising grocery costs have already strained households.
If the shutdown drags on, cardholders will be able to use remaining balances on their EBT cards, but those accounts will not be replenished until Congress restores federal operations.
The goal: to coordinate a citywide response ensuring that no resident goes hungry if federal benefits are interrupted.
“Now is the time to collaborate, to share ideas, pool resources, and coordinate our efforts so that we’re ready to meet this challenge head-on,” the statement reads. “Pasadena has always been a city that steps up when our neighbors are in need”.
Residents and organizations are asked to confirm attendance with Councilmember Jones’ Field Representative Lisa Barrios at lisabarrios@cityofpasadena.net
Wednesday, October 29, 9 to 10 a.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena. Online access at www.cityofpasadena.net/
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