Central Valley communities still seek relief after government reopens

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 43-day authorities shutdown and the intermission of backing for nutrient assistance programs similar SNAP impacted millions crossed the country.

Food banks, including the 1 serving Madera County, are seeing the request firsthand, saying their phones person been ringing nonstop since the extremity of October with families asking for exigency nutrient boxes.

Wednesday night, the authorities reopened, and the Madera County Social Services bureau confirmed that radical approved for SNAP benefits are erstwhile again receiving those benefits.

It's a determination bringing alleviation to nutrient banks, helping capable the gap.

Executive Director Ryan McWherter says the request wide remains astatine an all-time high, "We truly did measurement up to the plate, ramped it up and did what we could bash arsenic a nutrient bank."

"I'm a azygous mom. I instrumentality attraction of my sister and my girl and it's truly hard," says Jessica Tinoco. "I consciousness similar close now, thing is enough."

Jessica Tinoco is 1 of 700 families who waited for hours connected Thursday greeting astatine the Madera County Fairgrounds for a voucher guaranteeing a Thanksgiving Food Box.

"Things similar this, wherever radical are helping. It's precise helpful, particularly for those who can't spend a blistery meal," Tinoco says.

Last year, the nutrient slope handed retired 500 boxes.

McWherter is gladsome they could supply a mates of 100 much this year, "and that truly does bring joyousness to my bosom but astatine the aforesaid time, we were successful a spot wherever we had to crook distant a mates of 100 radical and that breaks my heart."

The families who volition get to prime up a container implicit the play accidental they're filled with appreciation and warmth up of Thanksgiving.

"I americium precise grateful and precise blessed that determination are radical consenting to help," says Lizbeth Huerta.

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria presented a $25,000 check, helping the nutrient slope supply adjacent much boxes during the wintertime months.

Those who received SNAP benefits should spot wealth connected their cards. However, if you precocious enrolled for services, backing for pending applications has not been released.

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