The lines at California’s food banks keep getting longer. In March, when CalFresh benefits plummeted for 5.3 million Californians, the statewide food banks association warned of a “catastrophic hunger crisis.”

Hunger advocates and researchers believe the end to emergency allotments—coupled with revised work requirements for SNAP—will pressure food banks, hurt public health, impact kids, and revive old prejudices.

Inflation, a shortage of volunteers and a lack of funding have led to a crisis for Bay Area food banks — organizations that were already under heavy strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In chaotic times, the social safety net is intended to keep us from losing our footholds. And yet in San Francisco now, there’s a quiet conflict bubbling around Mayor London Breed’s latest budget proposal, and it all comes down to differing ideas over how to feed the most vulnerable.

As extra pandemic benefits end, food banks say that they’re becoming long-term supermarkets for Californians facing food insecurity. Several bills to boost CalFresh are before the Legislature, but the state budget deficit may get in the way.

The main food bank in San Francisco is grappling with how it will continue to meet current needs, with Mayor London Breed proposing cuts to city programs after the expiration of emergency COVID-19 aid.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee is about to start work on Mayor London Breed’s proposed budget, and already we are starting to see some serious problems—cuts to critical programs and big business and developer giveaways.

In an email sent to all employees of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank on Thursday, Executive Director Tanis Crosby said that Mayor London Breed has recommended curtailing funding for the organization by 2025.

Our corporate partner DoorDash is piloting a new program where their customers can donate $10 to our Food Bank and receive a $5 credit to their account.

Herbert started volunteering with us in 2020. Now he’s asking others to join him.