Boxes labeled "Central California Food Bank" stacked at a food distribution in Fresno County.

Where Central Valley Families Can Find Food Help Amid SNAP Benefit Uncertainty

Published November 5, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – After the federal government shutdown halted SNAP benefits on November 1, experts at Valley Children’s are urging the community to take advantage of food resources available throughout the Central Valley.

“Hunger is often referred to as a ‘vital sign,’ similar to our pulse and blood pressure, because it is strongly linked to poor health outcomes. This is even more true when it comes to children who are going through critical stages of growth and development,” said Dr. Carmela Sosa, director of the Guilds Center for Community Health at Valley Children’s. “When crucial benefits are not available, we must ensure children and families have access to food resources.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps low-income families afford food. With benefits currently paused, Valley Children’s encourages families to utilize the following resources:

Central California Food Bank: Serves Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties. Resources include a “food finder” to help locate food distributions throughout the Central Valley.
Madera County Food Bank: Provides a phone number for families to sign up for emergency food assistance in Madera County.
Food Link Tulare County: Features a map to help families find food pantries and fresh food distributions in Tulare County.
United Way: Operates a 211 Helpline with representatives available 24/7 to connect families to food resources.

The California Association of Food Banks also provides contact information for 42 food banks throughout California, including: