As the Trump shutdown continues into its fourth week, beginning November 1, 2025, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, will not receive their regular benefits due to federal delays caused by the shutdown.
This devastating lapse is occurring despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture having $6 billion in contingency funds already approved by Congress to cover SNAP during shutdowns. Rather than release these funds, the Trump administration is withholding them to gain leverage for their efforts to defund healthcare, keeping millions of Americans from accessing healthy meals in the process.
Here’s who’s affected:
- 5.5 million Californians, including 176,133 Alameda County residents — nearly 11% of our county’s population
- Roughly 2 million children statewide, including 46,775 in Alameda County
- Almost 1 million seniors, including 25,000 here in our county
This is a shocking betrayal of working Americans and our shared values. While families lose access to food, the federal government continues to prioritize funding for inhumane ICE raids, foreign bailouts, and higher healthcare costs for millions of Americans.
Bottom line: Donald Trump is intentionally blocking SNAP funding to pressure Congress into cutting healthcare, making working families pay the price.
How California Is Fighting Back
California is stepping up.
- The state has filed its 45th lawsuit against the administration for refusing to fund SNAP.
- The Governor has directed the California National Guard and $80 million in state funds to support food banks across the state — including $2.5 million advanced to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
While these state measures provide urgent relief, we need the federal government to do its job and restore funding for the safety net programs sustained by working Californians’ tax dollars.
Locally, I want to thank the Alameda County Board of Supervisors for approving $10 million in Measure W funds to fight food insecurity:
- $8.3 million will support the Alameda County Community Food Bank
- $1.7 million will fund Meals on Wheels and other partners serving our seniors
Local Food Resources
For those affected by the delay in CalFresh benefits, my office has compiled a list of local resources to help individuals and families access food and support during this difficult time.
Questions? Contact my Office HERE
California will never stay silent in the face of hunger. We’ll continue fighting for a government that puts the needs of children, families, and seniors above the interests of billionaire donors.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
THANK YOU FOR READING!
My office remains committed to helping you navigate any State resources or individualized questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office for any assistance or support with your questions.