Some 112,000 San Francisco residents are awaiting SNAP benefits during the current federal government shutdown, which President Donald Trump indicated will not be funded (opens in new tab) despite a previous court filing stating his administration would partially do so.
Amid this chaos, local agencies and food banks are stepping up to ensure vulnerable neighbors have access to food. San Francisco’s Human Services Agency is taking steps to get emergency assistance into residents’ hands, utilizing emergency funding from the city and nonprofits.
“The CalFresh emergency grocery card program the city has rolled out during the federal shutdown, will provide much-needed food for vulnerable families, children, and older adults,” SF HSA Executive Director Trent Rhorer said Tuesday. “We hope this helps so they won’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their rent during this very difficult time.”
Mail with unique activation codes for CalFresh cards is being distributed to clients and should arrive by Wednesday, spokesperson Cathy Young said Tuesday. Residents can access their card virtually or request a physical card by contacting the CalFresh team at 1-855-355-5757.
“We want to make sure folks know the emergency grocery card program is not a scam,” Young said, emphasizing that clients will never be asked to provide Social Security numbers or banking information to receive the benefit.
Elsewhere around the region, residents seeking immediate assistance have resources available, both for those looking for additional aid and those looking for ways to step up for their vulnerable neighbors. Here is a basic guide on how to give and how to get help in the Bay Area.
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