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Food banks flooded with families needing help
Food banks are seeing a 20-40% increase in the number of people going to food pantries, officials say.
LOS ANGELES - California's Food Bank Association is warning of a catastrophic hunger crisis this year.
In Santa Monica, the Westside Food Bank distributes food to other food pantries, who then distribute it to families in need.
Just $1 is equal to four meals as every dollar donated to Westside is matched.
California food banks are reporting some of their busiest months on record.
As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end, so do the benefits for more than 5 million Californians.
California's food stamps program gave maximum benefits to recipients for their household size during the pandemic.
Also, as the school year ends, a federal program that gave food benefits and meals is being replaced by a new program that gives $40 a month per child. That is significantly less and below the previous $125 per month per child.
Another concern is the debt ceiling agreement, which imposes more work requirements on those who receive these benefits.
Roughly 1 in 5 Californians experience food insecurity and that's expected to rise.
You can donate to the Westside Food Bank by visiting wsfb.org.
To find a food bank near you, visit cafoodbanks.org.