395,000 Californians Could Lose CalFresh Coverage as Federal Government Guts SNAP
Sacramento, CA – As millions of Americans go hungry due to a lapse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stemming from the longest federal shutdown in history, the California Senate Human Services Committee held a hearing today on the impacts of federal actions on CalFresh, California’s food assistance program funded by SNAP that 5.5 million Californians rely on.
“The president views countless working-class families who are going hungry as expendable in his cynical scheme to enrich the wealthiest among us. What these families are facing is just a precursor of what’s to come as H.R.1 strips SNAP benefits to some of the nation’s most vulnerable residents in the months ahead,” said Senator Jesse Arreguín, Chair of the Senate Human Services Committee. “Here in California, we are committed to uplifting those who face food insecurity and will continue to find innovative ways to protect communities from devastating long-term cuts to SNAP.”
The record-breaking 43-day shutdown, which ended yesterday, led to funding for SNAP to lapse for the first time in the program’s history, despite contingency funding available to partially fund the program. California joined a coalition of over 20 states in submitting lawsuits to provide SNAP funding which led to a U.S. District Court’s order requiring SNAP be fully funded. However, the Supreme Court, at the behest of an appeal from the Trump Administration, paused the funding. While some relief was provided between the District Court and Supreme Court rulings, the confusion over the status of funding created chaos that continues to ripple today.
Long term impacts to SNAP are expected as a result of H.R.1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The president’s budget bill is estimated to cut $200 billion in SNAP benefits over the next decade while adding restrictions to eligibility and shifting costs from the federal government to state and counties, with California expected to see $1.7-$3.7 billion in cuts to its CalFresh program annually. According to the California Department of Social Services, up to 395,000 Californians could lose CalFresh coverage as a consequence. Immigrants with lawful status will be disproportionately impacted, with refugees and survivors of trafficking and domestic violence losing eligibility.
The State of California is taking multiple steps to protect people’s access to food assistance. In addition to the aforementioned lawsuit, the State expedited $80 million in funds to support food banks and offset delays in CalFresh benefits. The State Budget also allocated tens of millions of dollars to support counties and local jurisdictions brace for the implementation of H.R.1.