SEAL BEACH, CA — Across Orange County, food banks are bracing for a potentially massive influx of local CalFresh benefits in need next week as their benefits don’t arrive in November due to the ongoing government shutdown.
This week, Attorney General Rob Bonta said it will be the “first time ever” that SNAP benefits are halted for millions who rely on them.
Following the shutdown on Oct. 10, USDA sent a letter to state agencies directing them to put an indefinite hold on November benefits.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice says.
Beginning Nov. 1, the agency said there will be no benefits sent to the 1 in 8 Americans, roughly 42 million, that SNAP serves. In California, the aid known as CalFresh serves more than 5.5 million.
Across Orange County, CalFresh serves 31,000 million people.
“The Social Services Agency issues on average $62 million a month in CalFresh benefits,” said Director An Tran. “This will not only have an impact on the families and individuals receiving benefits, but also the local economy. For every dollar of benefit spent at local retailers accepting EBT, up to $1.50 is generated.”
See food banks located in and around Seal Beach Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County — 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA.Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank — 11870 Monarch St., Garden Grove, CA.RSM Cares — 30605 Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita.
Call ahead to check when pantries are open and what locations they may be popping up at throughout your community.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has also deployed the state National Guard to support food banks.