Grass Valley, Calif. — October 27, 2025 — Gold Country Senior Services (GCSS) is urging older adults and community members to take action as the ongoing federal government shutdown puts food access at risk for seniors throughout Nevada County.
Because of the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated that it will not issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh) benefits for November if the shutdown continues, after saying it will not use emergency contingency funds to cover next month’s payments. This puts food benefits at risk for more than 41 million people nationwide, according to Reuters.
In Nevada County, this means 2,079 seniors will not receive SNAP benefits for November. That number does not include the older adults who already rely on Meals on Wheels, which GCSS delivers locally, close to 35,000 meals a year — to help ensure homebound seniors receive nutrition, wellness checks, and human contact.
“But for those who aren’t homebound — whether or not you’re currently facing food insecurity — please come eat with us,” said Communication Coordinator, Anna Delgado-Campbell. “No one in this county should be skipping meals because of Washington.”
Senior Lunch: Food and Connection for Adults 60+
GCSS invites any adult age 60+ to attend Senior Lunch every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 12:00 PM at the Sierra Gold Community Senior Center (231 Colfax Ave, Grass Valley). Full details are available at goldcountryservices.org/congregate-lunch-cafe/.
For those 60 and older, the suggested voluntary contribution is $4 for a hot, fresh, nutritious meal served in a group setting. Others under 60 may join as guests for $10. Guests are asked to RSVP at least 24 hours in advance and arrive by noon.
“This is more than a plate of food,” GCSS said. “It’s conversation, dignity, routine, and support. Nobody should have to eat alone because their benefits were cut.”
Medically Tailored Meals: Nutrition as Healthcare
For older adults in Nevada County who are living with serious health conditions — including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or recovering from surgery — and who have difficulty shopping or cooking, GCSS supports access to medically tailored meals delivered to the home. These meals are designed to meet specific medical needs, and may be available to eligible Medi-Cal enrolled individuals at a rate of two meals per day for up to 24 weeks, along with nutrition consultations from a registered dietitian through Partnership HealthPlan. GCSS can help seniors and caregivers with referrals and enrollment. For questions or referrals, call 530-446-6853 ext. 201.
How the Community Can Help
GCSS is asking supporters, families, and local businesses to step forward in two critical ways:
1. Donate
Financial support helps sustain essential programs that protect the health, well-being, and independence of older adults in Nevada County — including Senior Lunch, Meals on Wheels, and the Senior Firewood Program, which delivers heat to seniors who can’t cut or haul their own winter firewood. Community members can donate at goldcountryservices.org/donate/.
2. Volunteer
Volunteers are urgently needed as:
- Senior Dining Servers (Mon/Tue/Thu, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM)
- Front Desk / Member Services support at the Senior Center
- Senior Firewood Program helpers, especially those with trucks, to deliver firewood to homebound seniors before winter. (The final firewood description day is Nov. 1st!)
Those interested can sign up at goldcountryservices.org/volunteer/ or call 530-273-4961 for details.
“This shutdown has real consequences here, right now,” Delgado-Campbell said. “This is what community looks like.”