ONE BIG THING: TRUMP VS. HUNGRY FAMILIES
What Happened?
Since Trump and Congressional Republicans shut down the federal government a month ago — federal workers have been working without pay, and critical agencies are being gutted.
Now, starting today, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face uncertainty. A federal judge ordered the payout of SNAP benefits, but as we write this, it’s unclear how much funding will be released or if it will be delayed.
Why it Matters
47 million people across the country in 2024 alone relied on SNAP benefits, including 1.5 million in Los Angeles County alone. In LA County, the majority of parents with young children struggle to put food on the table, with Latino, Black, and Asian communities disproportionately affected.
Overall, SNAP provides 9x the meals distributed by every food bank in America combined. This means that at the same time as our most vulnerable families are going hungry, local food banks will face unprecedented demand.
Where to Get Food
We introduced a motion yesterday to provide an extra $200,000 in emergency food assistance so that our constituents can feed their families.
If you or someone you know is in need, find a City of LA FamilySource Center near you, or find local food banks across the region at lafoodbank.org.
Where and How to Donate
The #1 most effective way to help right now is to give money, so organizations can buy what they need the most.
Click here to donate to the Hollywood Food Coalition
If you can’t donate money, giving your time can make a huge difference for organizations that have the capacity to manage volunteers.
- People interested in helping out with food drives can email Nina with Hollywood Food Coalition at nina.angelo@hofoco.org.
- If you want to help make sandwiches, email Erin at erin.lovelace@hofoco.org.
- For other volunteer opportunities in our area, visit hofoco.org and lafoodbank.org/volunteer.
What’s Next?
As we write this, we don’t know how long Trump and the Republicans are going to keep the government shut down, or if courts will step in to stop families from going hungry.
This is an attack on our most vulnerable families. But regardless of what happens in DC — we will support them here in LA.
Click here for LAist’s Food Assistance Resource Guide
Two More Quick Hits
- Living Wage for Construction Workers
This week, the full City Council approved our motion to launch a report on creating a living wage for construction workers, including a credit to help cover healthcare costs. In LA, 40% of the construction workforce is undocumented, and workers face high rates of wage theft and unsafe conditions.
With this report now moving forward, we’ll receive a detailed analysis in the coming months to help us set stronger standards across the industry. Because if you build homes in LA, you should be able to afford to live in LA.
- New Playground at Madison West Park!
We were proud to celebrate the opening of brand-new playground equipment at Madison West Park, funded through Department of Recreation & Parks fees.
In a neighborhood of East Hollywood with few parks or play spaces, this upgrade means a lot. These improvements are about giving kids a safe place to play and families a place to come together.
Stop by Madison West Park and see the new playground for yourself!
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Dominoe, our Pet of the Week!
Is it delivery? Is it Digiorno’s? No, it's Dominoe!
This beautiful boy is a full-breed American Bulldog, but in our book, he’s 50% floppy ears and 50% underbite!
Dominoe is in need of a foster. Email ani.foster@lacity.org to learn more about this sweet boy!
