Government shutdown affects millions on CalFresh and CalWORKS
Millions of Californians could receive their November social benefits late if the federal government fails to reopen or allocate funds by Oct. 23.
The lapse in federal appropriations will impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in the state as CalFresh, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, called CalWORKS, according to the California Department of Social Services website.
It’s only a temporary delay; no one is permanently losing their benefits due to the shutdown, and CalFresh benefits will be distributed when funding resumes for the program, said Dr. Susan Fila, the dean of health and wellness at Santa Monica College (SMC), in an email to The Corsair.
According to Fila, even with the shutdown, new CalFresh applications are being processed online, and those who are already receiving benefits should continue to submit renewals for the program.
SMC’s Bodega, the on-campus food pantry, offers food and toiletries to registered students to help alleviate scarcity. People can also use the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Locator or dial 211 to find food banks within the county.
The government shutdown began on Oct. 1, making this the second-longest lapse in federal appropriations in U.S history. The longest occurred during President Trump’s first term, lasting 35 days.
“This is now the second-longest government shutdown of any kind ever in the history of our country, and it’s just shameful,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson at his daily press conference. “Democrats keep making history, but they’re doing it for all the wrong reasons.”
CalFresh supports nearly 5.5 million Californians, with 63.2% of SNAP recipients being elderly or children, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Trump’s failure to open the federal government is now endangering people’s lives and making basic needs like food more expensive — just as the holidays arrive,” Newsom said in the news release. “It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to grow a spine, stand up to Trump and deliver for the American people.”
Students whose holidays are affected by the late distribution of benefits can attend the SMC Foundation’s ninth annual Giving Thanks(giving) on Nov. 24-25, said Fila. Volunteers at the event will distribute fresh produce, grains and celebratory holiday foods.
The Bodega is open Monday through Friday, and will stock extra shelf-stable items in preparation for the increased demand. Students can also make an appointment with a member of the Basic Needs Department to explore further options. This is “how we can help students facing increased food insecurity,” Fila stated in her email to The Corsair.