(KRON) -- About 12% of households nationwide are affected by the pause in federal food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown, creating uncertainty and anxiety among families.

In Guerneville, local nonprofits and food justice advocates have taken action to support the community during this challenging time. A community food distribution event was organized to help families in need, with significant contributions from volunteers and local organizations.

Mercedes Flynn, a Guerneville resident and mother of two, expressed her gratitude for the community's support, saying, "That extra little help means everything."

Jennifer Wertz, who organized the food distribution, highlighted the crisis in Sonoma County, stating, "There’s 40,000 people that rely on SNAP benefits to get food an

See Full Page