Millions of food assistance recipients in California will have their November benefits delayed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, officials announced on Friday.
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is funded federally but administered by state and local agencies to help low-income residents buy healthy food.
“The Social Services Agency issues on average $62 million a month in CalFresh benefits,” Director An Tran stated in Friday’s news release. “This will not only have an impact on the families and individuals receiving benefits, but also the local economy.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he will deploy the California National Guard and state volunteers on a humanitarian mission to food banks in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action. Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps,” Newsom said in a statement.
To find a food bank, visit cafoodbanks.org.
The governor also announced that he is fast-tracking upwards of $80 million in state support ahead of funding delays.
CalFresh recipients were urged to continue meeting all mandatory reporting requirements, including requests for verification, submitting SAR7 semi-annual reports and completing renewals to ensure benefits when funding resumes. “November benefits are anticipated to be retroactively issued when the shutdown is resolved,” the news release stated.
Recipients can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca.org to be connected to food, housing and utility resources. Officials said that funding for CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits is secured through the end of 2025.
More information and answers to many questions about the benefit delay can be found on the California Department of Social Services website.
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