- Gibson Martucci
- 916-319-3104
- gibson.martucci@asm.ca.gov
(SACRAMENTO, CA) — Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) is alerting Californians that CalFresh recipients could face delays in benefits beginning November 1, since the Republican-led Congress has not resolved the ongoing federal government shutdown by today’s deadline.
“Any delay in food assistance programs will cause devastating disruptions in the lives of millions of California families, children, seniors, and veterans who are just trying to survive,” said Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. “CalFresh puts food on people’s tables, not Democrats, Republicans, or independents. But, we need the president and congress to act quickly, and lead, to avoid hardship for those who can’t afford it.”
Federal funding for CalFresh, California’s implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will expire after October 31, unless the federal government reopens, according to the California Department of Social Services. CalFresh provides approximately $1 billion in food assistance to 5.5 million Californians each month—which feeds more than 3 million households statewide, with the average household receiving approximately $328 per month. These benefits are fully funded by the federal government and the state does not have the resources to replace them in the event of a funding lapse. Should the federal shutdown continue past today, recipients may experience delays or interruptions in benefit distribution beginning Saturday, November 1. The state will continue to provide updates as information becomes available through the CDSS website.
“This is not a drill. Trump’s government shutdown is literally taking food away from our kids. But when Republicans fail to lead, Assembly Democrats, including Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, will do everything in our power to help parents and seniors pay for groceries and celebrate the holidays, because it’s our job to fight for programs that put food on the table,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas).
In anticipation of potential impacts, the Newsom Administration has announced proactive measures. The administration will accelerate $80 million in funding for food banks authorized in this year’s state budget. Governor Newsom is also deploying the California National Guard, in a non-law enforcement capacity, to support food banks—mirroring efforts undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our state is taking proactive steps to support food banks and prepare for an increase in demand,” concludes Aguiar-Curry. “However, the long-term solution must come from Washington, DC. California can’t fully replace federal CalFresh funding that provides billions in essential nutrition assistance for California families every year.”
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