SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Regional food bank operations in the Coachella Valley will be supported by 25 men and women from the California National Guard starting Monday.

Governor Newsom is deploying the Guard for food security to isolated and vulnerable Californians. The short-term deployment is aimed at stabilizing the immediate needs of food banks.

Because of the coronavirus, many food banks have been hit by a significant decline in volunteerism, impacting logistical and local infrastructure for food distribution.

The California Guard will initially deploy personnel and logistical equipment to a food bank distribution warehouse in Sacramento County and will conduct immediate site assessments statewide for those counties that have requested short-term support and stabilization.

Deployment of the guard will give the guard time to mobilize AmeriCorps, California Conservation Corps and Local Conservation Corps members, and other volunteers where counties have identified serious gaps.

Governor Newsom called on all Californians to join the Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign and help those in need.

Story Date: April 1, 2020