SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — With the government shutdown, paychecks will be missed and many federal workers will be furloughed, as financial uncertainty ripples through the economy safety nets like the San Diego Food Bank are getting ready to take on a brand-new wave of people struggling to keep their families fed.
“Well they are all neighbors, and we are all here to support our neighbors,” said Brigitte Wesselink, VP Operations for the San Diego Food Bank.
The San Diego Food Bank is the largest supplier of food to those struggling with food insecurity, and Wesselink says that as many as 1 in 4 San Diegans use the food bank services.
“The San Diego Food Bank severs on average 400,000 San Diegans every month month, and we are seeing an increased need all while funding is being cut and now we are facing a government shutdown,” she said.
Congressman Mike Levin says the cuts to other food safety net programs are also adding pressure on Food Banks across the county.
“What Republicans have decided to do with regard to SNAP food assistance is devastating and it will mean millions of Americans will not have enough to eat, and that will be many thousands of San Diegans,” said Mike Levin Congressman from the 49th District.
Wesselink says active-duty service members and veterans often use the food bank and she worries without financial support, military families may be left hungry.
“We already support on average of over 39,000 military and veterans, and so you think about those who have already done so much to support our country and they are facing food insecurity,” Wesselink said.
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