News Summary
San Diego County officials have warned CalFresh recipients of potential delays in November benefit payments due to the ongoing federal government shutdown that commenced in early October. Approximately 395,000 residents rely on this vital food assistance program. The suspension of benefits could lead to increased food insecurity as families are encouraged to prepare for possible disruptions starting November 1. Local food resources are expected to face heightened demand, particularly affecting families with low earnings. Community members can seek assistance during this crisis.
San Diego County officials have alerted CalFresh recipients about the possibility of delays in their benefit payments for November 2025. This uncertainty is linked to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, and stems from Congress’s inability to agree on a new funding bill. If the shutdown persists beyond October 23, 2025, it could jeopardize the distribution of vital food assistance benefits for many local families.
According to the California Department of Social Services, all October benefits have already been deposited for CalFresh recipients. However, the outlook for November benefits now hangs in the balance. Approximately 395,000 individuals living within nearly 240,000 households in San Diego County rely on CalFresh, which is California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as EBT or food stamps.
To qualify for CalFresh assistance, families in San Diego County must report monthly earnings below $5,360. The potential suspension of benefits might result in increased food insecurity for these households as well as others, prompting officials to encourage beneficiaries to prepare for the possibility of not receiving their benefits on their EBT cards starting November 1, 2025.
The San Diego Food Bank, a critical resource during such times, currently serves approximately 400,000 people every month. This number is expected to rise sharply if the government shutdown continues, putting additional strain on local food resources. Community members facing food insecurity can seek support from food banks and pantries listed on the 211 San Diego website or by contacting 211 San Diego directly.
With a significant presence of federal workers in the area—particularly those employed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), border patrol, and military personnel—the demand for food assistance is projected to increase due to potential furloughs or individuals working without pay during the shutdown.
Residents are advised to keep abreast of updates related to CalFresh benefits through the County’s CalFresh website and the BenefitsCal website as more information becomes available. The county is also taking steps to address the anticipated rise in demand for food assistance within the community, ensuring that resources are available to those who may find themselves in need during these uncertain times.
As the situation develops, the County emphasizes the importance of preparation for all residents who depend on these critical assistance programs. The community’s reliance on food security resources will remain pivotal in the coming weeks, especially if the federal shutdown prolongs beyond its current timeline.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
CalFresh Program Changes Impacting San Diego Households
Concerns Rise as U.S. Senate Approves Cuts for SNAP
Additional Resources
- County News Center: Federal Government Shut Down Could Delay CalFresh Benefits
- NBC San Diego: Food Benefits at Risk for 5.5 Million Californians
- CBS 8: Federal Government Shutdown May Impact CalFresh Recipients in San Diego County
- San Diego Magazine: Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend (October 22-26)
- Times of San Diego: Government Shutdown Could Cut Off CalFresh Benefits Next Month
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Google Search: CalFresh benefits San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- Google News: CalFresh San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
