Sierra Brooks Resident Serves “SNAP Soup” to Fill Benefits Gaps

LOYALTON — On Saturday, November 8, Sierra Brooks resident Belle Starr Sandwith led an effort to provide food for those affected by the lapse in federal SNAP benefits. The lapse has affected roughly 10% of Sierra County residents who rely on the CalFresh state implementation of the program.

Saturday’s group, including Sandwith, Tabatha Ferro, Adrienne Douglas, and Bjorn Pals, served hot beef chili and chicken tortilla soup to passersby at the Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce kiosk in Loyalton. Also made available were cookies, energy bars, and toiletries. Sandwith also provided soup for Loyalton Senior Apartments residents on Wednesday and Thursday of the same week.

Although the government is poised to reopen and for benefits to be reinstated, several local options for food assistance remain available while the delays continue. The High Sierra Family Resource Center Food Bank serves Loyalton residents and can be contacted by calling (530) 993-1110. The Western Sierra Food Bank serves the west side, operating out of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Downieville, and can be contacted by calling (530) 289-3644. Local businesses have also stepped in to provide assistance upon request, including Boomtown Backyard and Lounge in Downieville and Gonzo’s Little Frosty in Loyalton.