Millions of Californians could soon lose important food benefits due to the shutdown of the federal government.

On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the federal government shutdown — which he blamed on President Trump — will likely delay food benefits for millions of Californians who rely on CalFresh cards to feed themselves and their families. 

If President Trump and Congress do not reopen the federal government by Oct. 23, or take action to fund benefits, CalFresh benefits will likely be delayed in November, Newsom’s office said.

On Monday afternoon, the California Department of Social Services began notifying all counties across the Golden State to prepare for this impact. 

SNAP benefits are primarily 100 percent federally funded and support roughly 5.5 million Californians — who will begin to be notified as early as this week about the potential benefit delay. 

In addition to the federally funded CalFresh benefits, some state funded food benefits will also be impacted.

This disastrous and harmful impact comes as the MAGA majority in Congress have allowed Trump’s shutdown to continue for one month.

“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. It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to grow a spine, stand up to Trump, and deliver for the American people,” said Newsom.
 
This potential delay in food benefits — which Newsom’s office called “devastating” — comes as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, likely meaning many could now go hungry during the holidays and putting further stress on local food banks. 

In California, 63.2% of SNAP participants are children or elderly.

“Government should be measured by how we protect people’s lives, their health, and their well-being. Parents and caregivers should not be forced to choose between buying groceries or paying bills. While the GOP tries to tally political wins in Washington, hardworking Americans are facing bare cupboards and counting what’s left to eat. That is unacceptable,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

The federal government has directed states to hold November 2025 benefit data that would normally allow CalFresh funds to be allocated to persons with CalFresh benefit cards. 

This impact is immediate and is first affecting persons newly enrolling in CalFresh during the second half of October and then all enrollees if the shutdown lasts longer than Oct. 23.

“The longer this Trump initiated shutdown goes, the more likely additional programs will be impacted and more Californians will feel the devastating and disastrous consequences of Trump’s federal government shutdown,” the Governor’s Office said in the Monday statement.