| Based on recent updates from the Federal government, the SNAPback! program is on hiatus until we figure out how to best put our resources to use to continue helping our community. Please check back soon to see what we are doing! |
A tragic casualty of the government shutdown is SNAP funding, which is scheduled to be drastically reduced in November. Even with federal courts ordering the USDA to release emergency funds, it is still not enough to cover the total money needed by SNAP recipients for the month, and it will take many days for the funds to be distributed. Food banks are already strained, federal employees are unpaid, local corporations are laying off thousands, and our mutual aid networks are not robust enough to support these immense needs.
In the Buy Nothing community and Rose Garden neighborhood, we are here to support one another, regardless of Congressional shenanigans.
California Native Garden Foundation, which has been a nonprofit at 76 Race Street for over 20 years, has recently transitioned to become Plant and Soul California (PASCA). Our mission is to serve as a community resilience hub by centering reciprocal relationships with nature and one another. Together, our volunteers create a collective sense of joy, purpose, and abundance – a network to serve our community through both challenges and celebrations.
If you share our passion to ensure that ALL our neighbors are healthy, nourished, and treated with dignity through this crisis – to build an assurance that, in this neighborhood, we have each other’s backs. There four ways to participate: donate, volunteer, receive benefits, or donate reusable grocery bags!
Please drop off bags on the front porch of 1265 Sierra Ave, San Jose, 95126. Otherwise, click on one of the links below. Sign up soon, so we can get organized and be ready to go!
 Funds will purchase groceries that families actually want and need. 100% of donations will fund the purchase of food for neighbors, beyond what food banks can provide. If there are funds left over when SNAP comes back online, they will support initiatives to feed the community, including free Monday night pizza socials; distributing food from our regenerative urban farm, free food resiliency events, etc. Because we are a 501(c)(3) organization, donations are tax deductible. |
 We need volunteers who can shop as a team on Sunday afternoons, organize grocery bags for pick up, or deliver to people who need delivery. We also need folks to use our sign up sheets to connect volunteers with their tasks. |
 Please let us know about you, and a volunteer will contact you about next steps. You can get groceries delivered to your house, or pick them up at 76 Race Street in San Jose. We can also provide grocery store gift cards. Please let us know if your family members have food allergies or other important details. Only background-checked organizational volunteers have access to contact information. |