Redwood City Shares Local Food Resources as Federal Shutdown Impacts CalFresh Benefits

Redwood City, California - With the ongoing federal government shutdown delaying and reducing CalFresh (California's version of SNAP) food assistance benefits, the City of Redwood City is reminding residents that help is available locally.

"With CalFresh benefits disrupted, many of our neighbors are feeling real hardship," said Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos. "We want residents to know they're not alone. Help is here, and our community stands ready to support anyone who needs food or a helping hand."

Residents in need of immediate food assistance are encouraged to contact the Fair Oaks Community Center (FOCC, 2600 Middlefield Rd, 650-780-7500). The Center provides up-to-date information on local food programs, distributes emergency groceries, and connects individuals and families with additional resources. Other local food resources in Redwood City include:

Bagged groceries and emergency food:

• St. Francis Center (151 Buckingham Ave.) Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Verbo Ministries (2798 Bay Rd.) Wednesday, 12:00-1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30-9:00 p.m.; Friday, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• Catholic Worker House - Fresh Produce (545 Cassia St.) Friday, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Ready-to-eat meals:

• Catholic Worker House - Free Breakfast (545 Cassia St.) Wednesday/Thursday, 6:45-8:30 a.m.
• Street Life Ministries - Dinner (1300 Middlefield Rd.) Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Sandwiches on Sundays (FOCC, 2600 Middlefield Rd.) Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley food distribution sites (RWC locations):

• Taft Elementary School (903 Tenth Ave.) Second Wednesday of the Month, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Hoover Elementary School (701 Charter St.) First Thursday of the Month, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Middle School (2521 Goodwin Ave.) Third Thursday of the Month, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

In addition, Redwood City's Senior Lunch Program offers low-cost, nutritious meals Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for older adults at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center (1455 Madison Ave). The Peninsula Family Service Adult Center at FOCC also offers low-cost or free lunches to seniors from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday through Friday (suggested donation is $3.50).

The City also encourages residents who are able to help to support countywide efforts coordinated by San Mateo County's Department of Sustainability and Human Services Agency, which are connecting volunteers, donors, and local businesses to food distribution organizations. Details are available here.

"Redwood City is a caring community, and we know many of our neighbors are feeling the effects of the federal shutdown," said City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz. "We want residents to know that local support is here. The Fair Oaks Community Center and our community partners are ready to help connect people with the resources they need."

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About the City of Redwood City: The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third largest city within the County of San Mateo, with 85,992 residents. The city enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: "Climate Best by Government Test." Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county's old courthouse) and the only active deep-water port within the south bay of San Francisco. The city's vibrant downtown, quickly becoming known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.