SNAP Uncertainty Continues
On November 3, the federal administration announced that it would partially fund SNAP payments in November. It simultaneously acknowledged that its approach would delay the delivery of benefits by weeks, or perhaps months. Local officials then discovered that because of the way the Department of Agriculture was requiring states to administer partial benefits, that most families would receive nothing in November.
On November 6, a federal judge ordered the administration to fully fund SNAP for November. The Justice Department is appealing.
Millions of people across the country are being used as unwilling participants in political theater and are confronting hunger. Including 15,500 of our neighbors in Marin County.
MCF is continuing to raise support for the Food on Every Table fund to get food to those who need it. To date, generous folks from all over the county have donated $1.5 million for which we are immensely grateful. In addition, the Marin County Board of Supervisors passed a vote to direct $800,000 to the fund.
Because of the deep uncertainty surrounding the issue, we are still hoping to raise the $3.3 million that would effectively cover the entire need in Marin for the month of November. We need $1 million to reach the goal.
To ensure that those being hit hardest - children, older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans - can access the food they need, we're working in tight partnership with the County of Marin and the SF/Marin Food Bank to design a strategy that will enable the funds to reach folks in the most timely, safe and effective manner.
In Phase One we will be deploying a series of investments to both shore up pantry operations & meal delivery and also distribute gift cards through a trusted network of community partners.
In Phase Two we are seeking to form a partnership with an intermediary entity that can deploy direct cash - like assistance to impacted residents. We believe this approach most mirrors how SNAP beneficiaries currently receive their benefits, providing residents with the dignity and agency to make their own food choices, and can accommodate the scale of the need.
This is a crisis that is changing every day, and we are striving to be as nimble as possible while balancing a smart, strategic approach. While this outlines our current thinking, elements may change to meet the moment. We will provide updates as they occur.
We hope you can appreciate that, and we so value your support and trust during this truly unprecedented time.
When federal responsibilities go unmet, counties are often the last line of defense, and Marin is stepping up.
Make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to the fund and let’s show the love for our Marin neighbors.
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