As the federal government shutdown persists, the California Department of Social Services confirmed that CalFresh benefits for November will be suspended, leaving over 5.5 million Californians who depend on these benefits in uncertainty. Among the affected, 60% are seniors and children, underscoring the immediate need within vulnerable populations. The CalFresh program, which supplies funds for food purchases to low-income individuals and families, has been directly impacted by the government's inability to reach a budget resolution before the October 23 deadline.
Food distribution networks are feeling the knock-on effects. In Sacramento, the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet (SSIP Food Closet) has seen an uptick in visitors, serving nearly 350 families in one morning compared to their average of 250 a day, as reported by ABC10. Executive Director Simon Yeh noted the rapid increase, stating, “We have lines waiting here and lines waiting there," and urged for community support through volunteering and donations.
Similarly, in the Bay Area, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano counties is prepping for a significant increase in visitors. "We are prepared to ramp up service at all of our sites and support our partner agencies as well," CEO Caitlyn Sly told CBS News Sacramento. Sly highlighted the reality for those like Christina of Fairfield, a CalFresh recipient, who expressed deep concern for the days ahead: "I'm on a fixed income, so I'm going to have to figure out how I'm going to buy food and it's going to be hard."
Acknowledging the broader economic implications, Sly also mentioned the downstream effects on local businesses, stating, "For every $1.00 of CalFresh benefits that are put on somebody's EBT card, that generates $1.54 in local economic activity," as mentioned on CBS News Sacramento. With federal funds previously cut in early 2025, the food bank is operating with diminished resources. In response to these challenges, Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced measures to assist, including deploying California National Guard members to aid food banks and fast-tracking up to $80 million in state funds to support the growing demand for food assistance.
As families like Celine Cazares' in Sacramento feel the immediate pinch, with Cazares revealing in an ABC10 interview, "It is scary me to the point where I don't want to not have food for me or my family,” residents are calling on lawmakers to reach a resolution. Sly echoed this sentiment: "Get your act together and get it done. Get it done," Christina implored in a statement obtained by CBS News Sacramento.
