Overview: CalFresh shutdown
Local food banks and nonprofits are mobilized to make sure no one goes hungry, and beneficiaries can still use any remaining balance on their EBT cards.
An applicant signs up for food stamps, known as CalFresh in California, at a low-income health clinic in Contra Costa County. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)
With the federal government shutdown set to delay CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, nearly 400,000 San Diegans in about 240,000 households will see a pause in their November payments.
More than 63% of California’s SNAP participants are children or seniors.
Local food banks and nonprofits are mobilized to make sure no one goes hungry with distributions taking place as soon as Saturday. But that response is coming at a steep price, according to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
“We anticipate an initial financial impact of $1.5 million to purchase the food needed to meet this demand, with weekly costs ranging from $100,000 to over $300,000 as we scale our response and maintain a sufficient food supply,” food bank officials said in a Friday statement.
Multiple resources are available right now — no questions asked.
Important information and contacts
CalFresh/EBT reload delay: Saturday
Check your remaining EBT balance: Call the number on the back of your card. Beneficiaries can still use any remaining balance on their cards.
County Customer Service Center: 1-866-262-9881 (open Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Updates on benefits: sdcounty.gov/calfresh | benefitscal.com
Immediate help locating food: Call 211 or visit 211sandiego.org. 211 is available 24/7 in 200-plus languages and maintains up-to-date information on local food resources.
Feeding San Diego
Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank (San Diego Food Bank)
Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)
The Salvation Army San Diego County
Multiple food pantry locations
Website: sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/food-pantries
Locations include:
Centre City: 825 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-699-2219
Chula Vista: 648 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 619-422-7027
Escondido: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026 | 760-745-8613
Tips for getting help
Bring a reusable bag and check distribution times before going
Most sites are open to everyone — no ID or proof of income required
Families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are eligible
Arrive early; demand rises sharply during benefit delays
Use emergency food distributions (TEFAP) or local pantries — many allow self-certification
Search online maps for free food distributions by ZIP code
California has deployed the National Guard to assist food banks in meeting increased demand
Additional options for SNAP recipients
Some apps and delivery services offer discounts or special programs for SNAP/EBT users, helping stretch remaining benefits or purchase groceries. Examples include DoorDash, Instacart, and GoPuff, which provide occasional SNAP-specific deals or credits. Check each app’s website or settings to see current offers available in your area.
Updated 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025
READ NEXT