Marin CalFresh Recipients May Get Food Despite Federal Shutdown Through County Emergency Funding

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on whether to allocate $800,000 in emergency funding to provide direct food assistance to CalFresh recipients during the federal shutdown.

Marin County leaders are launching an emergency response to the federal SNAP/CalFresh shutdown and the increasing risk of food insecurity.

Roughly 15,500 Marin residents are set to lose crucial food benefits starting Saturday, with food banks and community partners already seeing increased demand.

On Tuesday, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider allocating $800,000 in emergency funds, approximately $200,000 per week, for direct food aid to CalFresh recipients during the federal shutdown.

"Ensuring food security is central to our mission and to the health of our community," said Dr. Lisa Warhuus, Director of Marin Health & Human Services. "Every act of generosity, whether it’s donating to a local fund, volunteering, or checking in on a neighbor, helps strengthen the safety net that holds our community together."

If approved, funds will be distributed in coordination with Marin Community Foundation (MCF) and SF-Marin Food Bank to ensure timely, equitable support. County Executive Derek Johnson and Warhuus would determine the most effective distribution method, aligning with partners' food access strategies.

"When federal responsibilities go unmet, counties are often the last line of defense, and Marin is stepping up," Johnson said. "The Board of Supervisors prudently set aside contingency funding last year to prepare for periods of federal uncertainty, ensuring we can respond when federal actions threaten essential services. While these are limited, one-time dollars that must be used carefully for the most critical needs, we are committed to ensuring no one in Marin goes hungry."

The Marin Community Foundation alsolaunched the Food on Every Table Fund with a $500,000 commitment to support Marin's food response through community donations.

Check the Marin HHS website for updates, food resources and information on how to help.