SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday he will deploy the California National Guard to provide short term food security to isolaed and vulnerable Californians.

Thursday evening Gov. Newsom announced the implementation of a stay at home order, asking all Californians to stay home except for essential functions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. Food banks provide a critical lifeline for families, and are needed now more than ever. Families across our state are suddenly losing work, and millions of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 are staying home to protect their health and the health of others. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community.”

Due to the virus, many food banks have been affected by a decline in volunteers for food distribution, the National Guard will assist with that issue by deploying personnel and logistical equipment to a food distribution warehouse.

"This short-term assistance from the California National Guard allows time to mobilize AmeriCorps, California Conservation Corps and Local Conservation Corps members, and other volunteers where counties have identified serious gaps."

The Administration is working with social networking platform Nextdoor to provide information to California communities about the state’s response to COVID-19. The collaboration will allow the state to reach more than 22,000 neighborhoods using the platform.

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