Supporting Marin County During the CalFresh Shutdown

November 1, 2025

As president of Teen Service Corps, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of service can make a big difference in people’s lives, especially during times of uncertainty. This month, the federal government shutdown has caused CalFresh (SNAP) benefits to be delayed. For many families in Marin County, those benefits are essential to putting food on the table. The pause has left many neighbors, including families, seniors, and individuals, facing new and unexpected challenges with food insecurity. My fellow volunteers at Teen Service Corps feel strongly that we can’t sit by and wait while people in our community struggle. So we are choosing to take action..

Answering the Call to Help

Teen Service Corps is partnering with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul in San Rafael to help organize food bank pantries, college food donations, and prepare bagged lunches for local residents in need.

Our volunteers are putting together nutritious lunches with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Once packed, these lunches are distributed by St. Vincent de Paul staff  to individuals and families throughout the area.

“We can’t fix the shutdown,” one volunteer said, “but we can make sure someone doesn’t go hungry today.”

That statement captures the spirit of our organization and what it means to serve.

How the Community Can Join Us

Teen Service Corps was started with the belief that we can strengthen our communities through consistent, hands-on service. This project reflects that mission perfectly.

We encourage others in Marin County to take part in supporting local hunger-relief efforts:

• Volunteer: Both the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin welcome community volunteers.
• Donate: Financial contributions help these organizations purchase supplies and continue vital programs.
• Share Resources: Spread awareness of food assistance options, such as 211.org or cafoodbanks.org/find-food.

Every effort—large or small—makes a difference. Thank you. 

— Gigi Walravens, President, Teen Service Corps (Marin County, California)