CalFresh Benefits To Halt In CA Amid Government Shutdown

Californians who rely on food assistance are being urged to prepare for possible delays, as the ongoing federal shutdown could halt benefits starting Nov. 1 if it isn’t resolved by Thursday.

On Monday, the California Department of Social Services directed counties statewide to brace for disruptions, noting that benefits — which are fully federally funded — cannot be distributed until the shutdown ends. CalFresh, the state’s food benefits program, currently serves about 5.5 million residents.

Some state-funded food assistance programs could also be affected, the agency said.

“Trump’s failure to open the federal government is now endangering people’s lives and making basic needs like food more expensive — just as the holidays arrive," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday. "It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to grow a spine, stand up to Trump, and deliver for the American people.”

According to Newsom's office, the federal government has directed all states to hold November benefit data that typically allows CalFresh funds to be distributed. This action will first affect those who are newly enrolling in CalFresh during the second half of October. It will affect all other enrollees if the shutdown lasts longer than Oct. 23.

CalFresh is California's version of SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The program distributes benefits to help eligible low-income residents purchase food.

In California, 63 percent of SNAP enrollees are children or older adults.

“Government should be measured by how we protect people’s lives, their health, and their well-being. Parents and caregivers should not be forced to choose between buying groceries or paying bills," First Parnter Jennifer Siebel Newsom wrote in a statement.

The federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1 after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding for the new fiscal year — a standoff that reflects deeper clashes over policy priorities, particularly healthcare subsidies and government spending.

As a result, lawmakers were unable to approve a measure to keep federal programs and services running. The Senate rejected the Republicans’ proposal, which fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Democrats, meanwhile, demanded that any resolution reverse the Medicaid cuts included in Trump’s sweeping legislation passed earlier this summer and extend tax credits for health insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.