LAUSD Ramps Up Support as SNAP Cuts Threaten Students
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is preparing for a significant challenge as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face a looming halt. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho warns that this decision could impact over a quarter-million local students, prompting the district and numerous community partners to expand critical food aid.
Understanding the Looming Food Insecurity Crisis
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has directly addressed the impending cut to federal SNAP (CalFresh) benefits, calling it a “food insecurity crisis purely manufactured by the federal government.” This halt is set to affect 271,000 LAUSD students, raising serious concerns about access to nutritious meals for vulnerable families across Los Angeles. The political impasse leading to a potential government shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over budget bills and healthcare subsidies, is cited as the root cause of this federal decision.
LAUSD’s Immediate Response and Resources
In response to the federal cuts, LAUSD is significantly expanding its own free meal offerings. Superintendent Carvalho emphasized that the district will continue to provide free breakfast, lunch, and supper to all children 18 and under, no questions asked. The district is “ramping up efforts” to ensure supper is available for pickup across most schools, mirroring past successful distribution models.
To further support families, LAUSD has launched a new online resource hub, lausd.org/foodhelp, detailing school and community-based food distribution sites. This week, shelf-stable food will be offered, with cooked meals following next week. Carvalho assured the community that these federal decisions are not expected to impact the district’s existing nutrition program.
Broader Support from California and Local Partners
The state of California and local organizations are mobilizing substantial resources to mitigate the impact of the SNAP cuts. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom have announced a lawsuit aimed at compelling the federal government to utilize a $6 billion reserve fund for November benefits. Governor Newsom has also deployed the California National Guard to assist food banks and fast-tracked $80 million in state funds to help alleviate the crisis.
Locally, L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, has committed $5.4 million to provide food for affected families. Five million dollars of this will go to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and Food Forward, aiming to support 10,000 to 15,000 households weekly in November. An additional $400,000 is dedicated to bolstering county-wide food security efforts.
L.A. County officials have also allocated $10 million to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to expand its purchasing capacity and establish pop-up and drive-through distribution sites, complementing the existing network of 940 pantries. The county’s Departments of Public Social Services and Children and Family Services each contributed an additional $2 million to food programs.
Beyond Food: Ensuring Safe School Environments
In addition to addressing food insecurity, Superintendent Carvalho also raised concerns about recent immigration enforcement activities near LAUSD schools. He recounted an incident near Santee Education Complex where a federal raid led to a firearm discharge and an agent being struck by a bullet near campus. Carvalho has twice urged the Departments of Homeland Security and Education to establish “exclusion zones” around schools, barring immigration enforcement within two blocks during the hour before and after the school day, to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all students and families.
Community Aid Efforts Summary
| Entity | Key Action / Contribution |
|---|---|
| LAUSD | Expanded free breakfast, lunch, supper; new food help hub (lausd.org/foodhelp); shelf-stable & cooked meal distribution. |
| California State | Lawsuit against federal government; deployment of National Guard to food banks; $80 million in state funds. |
| L.A. Care Health Plan | $5.4 million total, including $5M for LA Regional Food Bank, YMCA, Food Forward to support 10,000-15,000 households. |
| L.A. County | $10 million to LA Regional Food Bank for expansion; $4 million from DPSS/DCFS for food programs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many LAUSD students are affected by the SNAP cuts?
Approximately 271,000 LAUSD students are expected to be impacted by the looming halt to SNAP/CalFresh benefits. - What kind of food assistance is LAUSD providing?
LAUSD continues to offer free breakfast, lunch, and supper to all children 18 and under. They are also distributing shelf-stable and cooked meals and have a resource hub for distribution sites. - Will LAUSD’s regular free meal programs be affected by the federal shutdown?
Superintendent Carvalho does not anticipate any impact on the district’s provision of free breakfast, lunch, and supper due to federal decisions. - Where can I find LAUSD food distribution sites?
The district has launched a new resource hub at lausd.org/foodhelp, listing school and community-based food distribution sites. - What is being done about immigration enforcement near schools?
Superintendent Carvalho has urged federal departments to establish “exclusion zones” of two blocks around schools, barring enforcement during the hour before and after school, to ensure student safety.
As the federal government faces a stalemate, Los Angeles locals can find relief in the robust network of support being activated by LAUSD, the state, and local health and county organizations to ensure no child goes hungry. Utilize the LAUSD resource hub and community food banks if you or someone you know needs assistance.
LAUSD Ramps Up Support as SNAP Cuts Threaten Students
