San Diego County officials have confirmed that nearly 400,000 residents who rely on CalFresh benefits will experience delays in their November payouts due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This situation affects approximately 395,000 individuals across nearly 240,000 households in the region.
As of now, the duration of the delay remains uncertain and is contingent upon the resolution of the shutdown in Washington, D.C. The interruption in benefits is not only impacting San Diego but also affects around 42 million Americans nationwide, including an estimated 5.5 million individuals in California. Of particular concern is that more than 63% of California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants are either children or elderly individuals.
Terra Lawson-Remer, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, explained the situation, stating, “Because the federal government failed to pass a budget, shutting down operations nationwide, CalFresh benefits will not be reloaded on November 1.” In response to this crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to assist food banks and directed additional funding to support families in need. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “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.”
CalFresh, California’s version of the federal food assistance program, is entirely federally funded but managed and administered by state and county authorities. Californians can continue to use any remaining benefits from previous months, and recipients can check their balances by contacting the number on the back of their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
The potential implications of these delays are dire. Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, articulated the gravity of the situation, noting, “Who are we as a nation if millions of people in our country are forced to go hungry or homeless?” He further highlighted that vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, face heart-wrenching decisions between essentials like food and housing.
Local nonprofits and food banks are preparing to shoulder much of the burden as a result of the shutdown. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has projected additional costs of approximately $500,000 due to the increased demand for food assistance. The organization remains committed to ensuring access to food, stating, “San Diego has always stepped up in times of crisis, and we’re confident our community will do so again.”
The stalemate in Congress has drawn criticism from both parties. Democrats and Republicans have exchanged blame for failing to reach an agreement before the deadline. Democrats have conditioned their support for a budget bill on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, while Republicans have resisted this approach.
According to Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary, the current shutdown has jeopardized the availability of SNAP benefits for 40 million Americans. He stated, “Because of the Democrat shutdown, there are not enough funds to provide SNAP for 40 million Americans come November 1.” This statement highlights the tension surrounding the government’s budgetary challenges and its direct impact on food security.
Despite the uncertainty, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates that SNAP has a contingency fund of about $6 billion, which could help cover a significant portion of the benefits due in November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also previously shifted funds between nutrition programs to ensure continued support where possible.
For those in need of food resources during this challenging time, information is available through 211 San Diego, which can be accessed by calling the number or visiting their website. Local food banks and pantries are also listed for those seeking immediate assistance.
As the region navigates this crisis, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for any changes regarding their CalFresh benefits.
