With the ongoing government shutdown in the United States, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, has officially halted distribution since Saturday, November 1st. In just California alone, nearly 5.5 million residents have lost their benefits, prompting local governments and organizations to start providing free food and meals to help low-income families affected by the shutdown maintain basic living standards.
The food stamp program, known as CalFresh in California, is typically funded by the federal government and loaded onto recipients’ debit cards (EBT cards) each month. Currently, around 42 million Americans receive this benefit monthly, with California having the highest number of recipients in the country.
Due to the government shutdown, officials from the California Department of Social Services have stated that individuals can still use any remaining balance on their EBT cards as usual, but the November benefits will be delayed, with uncertainty looming over December. In other words, benefits will not be issued unless the government reopens.
During the suspension of food stamp distribution, affected families can receive emergency temporary assistance from the following sources.
Low-income families in urgent need of food can get free groceries from local food banks. Food banks are available across California, and individuals can find nearby locations online at www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food/.
Officials note that due to increased demand, food banks may be busier than usual. For those facing hardship due to the interruption of food stamp benefits, they can call 211 for assistance in accessing community resources.
The California National Guard and volunteers will carry out a humanitarian aid operation to support food banks and residents by planning, packaging, distributing, and delivering meals to families in need throughout the state.
School meal programs and the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) benefits are expected to continue without immediate interruption. Many school districts are providing free meals for children.
For example, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has pledged to offer meals to families affected by the food stamp interruption, with all children being able to receive free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The district has launched a website (https://www.lausd.org/foodhelp) detailing food distribution programs and other assistance available to families.
Supported by private donors, the San Francisco city government has decided to distribute gift cards to CalFresh recipients to fully cover their November food stamp benefits.
Currently, counties and local governments in California are gathering resources and aid as much as possible, with residents able to inquire based on their respective areas of residence.
For instance, the Los Angeles County government has mobilized approximately 940 food relief stations to distribute food and increase food supplies. Officials urge impacted residents of the food stamp interruption to call 211 or visit their website for assistance.
Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is providing free snacks and dinners for youth and the elderly.
Delivery service provider DoorDash has announced a partnership with over 300 food banks, food pantries, and community organizations to offer free delivery and waived service fees for food stamp recipients.
Managed by many county governments in California, the Department of Aging or large regional food banks provide meal delivery services or nutrition programs for homebound seniors.
For example, the Orange County Department of Aging offers regular meal delivery for seniors aged 60 and above who are homebound, providing two to three meals per day from Monday to Friday. For more information, individuals need to contact the government affairs office.