Valley leaders donate to food bank as SNAP pause looms

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Central Valley leaders gathered at the Central California Food Bank Monday to hand over some giant checks.

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria partnered with the Alliance of California Farmers and Ranchers Community Fund, the Valley Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Fresno United to donate $15,000 to the food bank.

This comes as the government shutdown approaches its 27th day Tuesday, and food banks across the country brace for increased demand.

“The ongoing federal government shutdown is creating real fear and uncertainty for families,” Soria said.

“It is estimated that 25% of our kids go hungry each and every day, and that could be further exacerbated by the current federal shutdown and the potential disruption of SNAP and CalFresh benefits,” William Chaltraw