The federal SNAP-funding mess has made L.A.'s food-insecurity crisis clearer than ever

"The pomegranates, squash and apples were in season, pink guavas were so ripe you could smell their heady scent from a distance, and nutrient-packed yams were ready for the holidays. But with federal funding in limbo for the 1.5 million people in Los Angeles County who depend on food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - or SNAP - the church parking lot hosting the market was largely devoid of customers."

""So far we're doing 50% of what we'd normally do - or less," said Michael Bach, who works with Hunger Action, a food-relief nonprofit that partners with farmers markets across the greater L.A. area, offering "Market Match" deals to customers paying with CalFresh debit cards. The deal allows shoppers to buy up to $30 worth of fruit produce for only $15."

Federal funding delays to SNAP left 1.5 million Los Angeles County recipients in limbo, reducing purchases at farmers markets and increasing demand at food banks. California replenished recipients' CalFresh debit accounts late last week, but the interruption exposed structural fragility in the regional food system. Vendors at the Adams/Vermont farmers market near USC reported largely empty stalls despite abundant seasonal produce. Hunger Action's Market Match program, which offers up to $30 of produce for $15 to CalFresh users, saw transactions drop to roughly half or less of normal volume. A USC study found 25% of L.A. County residents experienced food insecurity in 2024, with a 41% rate among low-income residents. Thousands lined up at food banks across Southern California as outdoor produce stands and community partners struggled to serve residents during the funding uncertainty.

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