ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Community Seva launches emergency meals program in Gilroy
The weekend initiative will provide food support to families hit by the SNAP/CalFresh suspension.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Mon, 10, Nov 2025
- 15:20 EST
- 18
Glimpses of the event / Community Seva
Community Seva, a nonprofit organization, launched an emergency weekend meals program to support families affected by the suspension of SNAP/CalFresh benefits.
The Bay Area nonprofit, in partnership with the Gilroy Unified School District (GUSD), will provide boxed lunches to 500 children and their families every Saturday and Sunday throughout November.
Also Read: Chicago’s Rajasthani community marks Diwali with cultural showcase
Meals are being prepared at the organization’s commercial kitchen in Santa Clara and distributed by volunteers. The program was activated after the district reported increasing weekend hunger among students who rely on school meals during the week.
Santa Clara County supervisor Sylvia Arenas said the situation required immediate action. “Our families in South County are hurting, and children should never bear the burden of bureaucratic delays or policy breakdowns. I am grateful to Community Seva and all of our partners for stepping up so quickly.”
Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent Anisha Munshi said the partnership was crucial during a period of heightened need.
“At a time when so many of our families are experiencing the effects of food insecurity, the district is profoundly grateful for the partnership and generosity of Supervisor Arenas’ office and Community Seva. Their commitment to supporting our community ensures that our students and families have access to the essential resources they need,” she added.
Weekend meals program / Community SevaCommunity Seva founder and board president Nathan Ganeshan said the nonprofit responded as soon as the benefits disruption was announced.
“When we heard about the sudden disruption of SNAP/CalFresh benefits, we immediately mobilized. When the need arises, Community Seva has always stepped up for our neighbors. This emergency meals program is a true example of who we are and what we stand for,” he added.
The emergency response effort is supported by Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo, Gilroy Unified School District, and the South County Youth Task Force. Each partner has contributed to outreach, coordination, and distribution to ensure meals reach the families most affected.
Community Seva serving food / Community Seva
The emergency response effort is supported by Supervisor Arenas’ office, Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo, Gilroy Unified School District, and the South County Youth Task Force, each contributing outreach, coordination, and distribution support to ensure meals reach the families most affected.
Community Seva has operated in Santa Clara County for more than a decade, providing hot meals, emergency food boxes, women’s hygiene kits, and mobile shower services. The organization says it has served more than 400,000 meals through volunteer-driven community programs.
The emergency effort was prompted by the suspension of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its California equivalent, CalFresh, during the federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.
The delay affected more than 130,000 residents in Santa Clara County and forced local food providers to expand emergency support. County officials allocated up to $4.5 million to backstop food-aid operations while awaiting federal action.
Although a federal court ruled on Nov. 6 that full November benefits must be issued using contingency funds, food-bank networks continue to report unprecedented demand as households attempt to bridge the gap caused by the temporary stoppage.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login