The federal government shutdown, now in its third week, is poised to delay food benefits for millions of Californians. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom has allocated $80 million in state support and deployed the California National Guard to assist food banks. This decision follows notifications from the California Department of Social Services, indicating potential disruptions to CalFresh, the state’s federally funded food assistance program.
Without federal intervention or a resolution to the shutdown by Thursday, around 5.5 million low-income California residents, including nearly 3.5 million children and seniors, may not receive their benefits for November. Current CalFresh recipients have already received their October benefits, but new applicants between mid-October and the end of the month may face immediate gaps in assistance.
Angela Shing, a former director overseeing CalFresh, highlighted the impact on families, particularly those working multiple jobs while facing difficult choices between rent and food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has communicated insufficient funds for the upcoming month but declined to provide further comments.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins attributed the lack of funds to Democrats’ priorities regarding healthcare for immigrants, a claim refuted by Democrats who blame the shutdown on Republican Medicaid cuts and other financial measures. In California, food insecurity is a growing issue, with nearly a quarter of households affected, especially highlighted in areas like San Diego County, where local food banks are setting up additional support due to rising needs among military families and federal employees.
