Donald Trump and Republicans would rather shut down the government and have Americans go hungry than negotiate with Democrats.
SNAP (CalFresh) funds are expected to run out TOMORROW, leaving millions to scramble to find their next meal. This includes over 41 million Americans across the country, 5 million Californians, and 122,500 members of our own communities here in California’s 44th Congressional District.
Trump and Republicans have the authority to keep SNAP funded in November, but they refuse to release the money.
Democrats will continue to fight to make sure Americans have access to critical resources like SNAP.
Please refer to the resources below if you are in need of food assistance during the government shutdown.
1.5 million Los Angeles County residents who rely on SNAP (CalFresh) to help pay for groceries may experience delays in receiving their November benefits.
Important Reminders
- California will soon send out notifications to CalFresh recipients. Please note that these notices do not mean your case has been terminated or that you are no longer eligible for CalFresh benefits.
- CalFresh recipients should continue to comply with all reporting requirements to ensure benefits are issued promptly once they become available.
Free Food Assistance Resources
There are over 900 food banks in L.A. County. To locate the nearest one to you, please visit LAFoodBank.org/FindFood or call 2-1-1.
If you are able to donate, please consider giving to local food banks.
Other local food resources:
L.A. County is also partnering with Food Finders and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to provide additional resources to those in need. Food Finders’ next distribution will be Saturday, November 1st at 9 AM at Admiral Kidd Park.
If you receive SNAP (CalFresh) benefits, or have concerns about applications, please refer to some FAQs below:
- Will new and renewing SNAP enrollees have access to SNAP as the shutdown continues?
People are encouraged to submit all required forms and recertification as normal. However, there may be processing delays due to the continued federal government shutdown.
- Will SNAP recipients be able to use their current benefits at vendors?
As of now, people can use their EBT card with their existing benefits as usual through the federal government shutdown. CDSS will share more information if anything changes.
- Will SNAP agencies be able to process new/renewing applications?
Due to the current government shutdown and its failure to provide additional funding, there may be delays but people are still encouraged to apply/recertify.
- Will people who have applied in the second half of October get benefits?
Yes. People who applied in the second half of October will get their prorated CalFresh benefits for the month of October. Normally, these households would get prorated benefits for the month they applied and the following months’ benefits in one issuance. Due to the shutdown, they will only get October’s prorated benefit (and have to wait to get November’s benefit).
For the most up-to-date information regarding SNAP (CalFresh) during the Republican shutdown, please refer to the California Department of Social Services’ CalFresh FAQ website here.
Should you need assistance with a federal agency or accessing federal assistance benefits, please do not hesitate to call my office at 310-831-1799.