Food Assistance Support During Federal Shutdown

As a result of the ongoing federal shutdown, CalFresh benefits, which are funded through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lapse on November 1^st unless Congress takes immediate action or the courts intervene. This means that money will not be added at the beginning of the month to EBT cards such as the Golden State Advantage that 42 million Americans, including 5.5 million Californians and nearly 100,000 district residents rely on to purchase food. 

If you have unused funds on your EBT card, you can continue to use that until the funds are depleted. Offices that handle CalFresh benefits will remain open to support administrative operations and assist you with applications. The California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides food benefits to families with pregnancies and children under 5, is not impacted and benefits will continue for WIC recipients. If you have neighbors in need, especially if they are seniors, check in with them. If you have questions about your CalFresh benefits, visit the CalFresh FAQ webpage.  

Support is available for those seeking assistance. Below is a list of resources:

Food Banks

The links below will direct you to a search page to find a local food pantry near you.  

• Alameda County Community Food Bank
• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

Local Services

In addition to countywide food banks listed above, additional services may be available in your community. Below is a list of services available by city. Additional programs may be available that are not listed below. You can also call 2-1-1 to get connected with services in your county. 

• Oakland
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• Richmond
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• Alameda
  • Alameda Food Bank
• Albany and Berkeley
  • Berkeley Food Pantry
  • Berkeley Food Network
  • Basic Needs Food Pantry (for UC Berkeley students)
• Emeryville
  • Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program
• El Cerrito
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• El Sobrante
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• Hercules
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• Pinole
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• Rodeo
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here
• San Pablo
  • Various Food Assistance Programs Available Here

The State of California is taking multiple steps to ensure that people have access to food assistance during these unprecedented times. The State Attorney General’s Office, along with 22 other attorneys general have filed a lawsuit to restore funding to the SNAP program, as there are contingency funds available but not currently being used that can partially fund the program in November. The State is also working to expedite the allocation of $80 million in funds approved in this year’s budget to go towards food banks. The Governor has called on the California Volunteers and California National Guard to conduct a humanitarian mission to support local food banks. Together, these actions will help support food banks in anticipation of a surge in demand. I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the many community groups, businesses, and nonprofits that are stepping up to support those in need during these difficult times.