Days before 175,000 Alameda County residents are set to lose federal food assistance, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $10 million to local food banks and food assistance programs on Tuesday.

With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown that has precipitated what food bank leaders called an “emergency” at Tuesday’s meeting — Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits running out on Nov. 1, while federal employees remain furloughed — the county’s funding is considered critical for food assistance organizations

“The outlook is unpleasant right now. It is going to be a challenge that we’re getting through, but I would also add that this is what food banks are built for,” said Michael Altfest, communications director for Alameda County Community Food

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