Trump’s executive orders have significantly affected public health and food assistance programs in San Luis Obispo County.
1. Public health cuts: The administration canceled more than $125 million in grant funding for LGBTQ-plus health services, impacting local organizations like Transitions-Mental Health Association and Lumina Alliance. This has led to increased crisis hotline calls and concerns about suicide prevention, particularly among LGBTQ-plus youth. Some programs may be forced to shut down due to funding shortages.
2. Foodbank funding freeze: The U.S. Department of Agriculture halted hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds for foodbanks across California, including those serving San Luis Obispo. This has left foodbanks struggling to meet demand, with truckloads of food deliveries suspended.
These changes have sparked concern among local nonprofits and advocacy groups, which are working to mitigate the impact. Here’s where you can help in SLO County:
• Five Cities Christian Women Food Pantry: A social services organization helping provide food to those in need.
• 5Cities Homeless Coalition: Supports individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and assistance.
• Meals On Wheels: Helps deliver meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• The Salvation Army Arroyo Grande Service Center.
• City of San Luis Volunteer Program: Offers various opportunities to support community health, homelessness response, and neighborhood outreach.
• SLO Food Bank: Volunteers help with food distribution, warehouse packing, and gleaning fresh produce from local farms.
Jill Stegman
Grover Beach
This article appears in May 15-25, 2025.
We can’t afford these luxuries. The U.S. is spending its money wisely on things like a $45 million dollar military parade for King Trump.
What a sad, pathetic nation we have become.
Balance the federal budget, slash defense spending, tax the rich, protect social spending and social support programs, close overseas military bases, tax corporations, end foreign interventions and bogus color revolutions. Repair commercial relations with Russia, China, and the global bal south.
This is a simple list of priorities to save America. This is it folks, this is all we need.