Government shutdown may cut off access to CalFresh benefits in November
Dante Ulanday - News Moderator 
The ongoing federal government shutdown could threaten benefits CalFresh recipients expect in November, San Diego County officials said Tuesday.
The announcement follows guidance late Monday from the California Department of Social Services. County staff began notifying recipients Tuesday about the possible delay or cancellation of November’s funds.
The delay will occur if the shutdown continues past Thursday. The shutdown began Oct. 1, after Congress did not pass a new funding bill.
CalFresh is the California version of the federal food assistance program also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as EBT or food stamps. The program is entirely federally funded, but is managed by states and administered by counties.
According to the county, October benefits arrived, but anything beyond that is up in the air.
“Based on the state guidance, the county is advising local CalFresh beneficiaries to prepare to not receive benefits on their EBT card beginning Nov. 1, 2025,” a statement from county officials said.
Local food resources and information is available through the 211 San Diego web page. Additionally, a list of food resources such as food banks and pantries can be accessed online.
In San Diego County, about 395,000 individuals in nearly 240,000 households receive CalFresh benefits, based on income.
