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Receive an update on the status of CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP") benefits issuance due to the federal government shutdown
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends the Board of Supervisors receive an update on the status of CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP") benefits issuance due to the federal government shutdown.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
During the third week of October 2025, States received direction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pause November benefit issuance for CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP") due to the federal government shutdown. The California Department of Social Services notified CalFresh recipients of the delay and provided direction to counties to continue CalFresh administrative activities. The Health and Social Services Department, Employment & Eligibility Services Division (E&E), also engaged in extensive community outreach to further raise awareness of the delayed benefit issuance to CalFresh recipients and inform them of alternate food resources available in the community.
On October 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the federal administration to continue funding SNAP benefits and followed up on November 1, 2025, with a written ruling, ordering the federal administration to make full food benefit payments by Monday, November 3 or partial payments by Wednesday, November 5. Federal statements regarding the amount and methodology of issuing partial benefit payments continued through the week until Thursday, November 6 when the Judge ordered the federal administration to fully fund SNAP by November 7, 2025, finding the federal administration's partial payment proposal did not comply with h...
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