BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 From grocery bills to family meals \u2014 CalFresh benefits help keep food on the table for millions across California. However, this November, those benefits could come to a halt \u2014 and here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n
In an update from the Kern County Department of Human Services \u2014 officials confirm federal funds will not be available to pay for November CalFresh benefits if the shutdown continues.<\/p>\n
Savannah Oates, the public relations and advocacy manager, at CAPK says, \u201cWe\u2019re hearing things as they come out, and we\u2019re just pivoting as needed. This morning, we had a meeting with local elected officials, staff members, county, city \u2014 and everyone in between \u2014 just game-planning and brainstorming what initiatives can take place moving forward for the 110,000 individuals who could be affected.\u201d<\/p>\n
CalFresh \u2014 also known as SNAP \u2014 provides food support to low-income families. The county says it will continue accepting new applications and processing renewals to ensure benefits resume once funding is restored. As for CalWORKs \u2014 the state says funding is secure through November, though guidance from the federal government remains limited. The California Department of Social Services is texting and emailing beneficiaries through Saturday to keep them updated.<\/p>\n
Angela Garcia, the program director, at KCDHS says, \u201cWe encourage the community not to hesitate to apply for benefits during this time. If the federal shutdown continues, we want to make sure people are still turning in any documentation necessary so we can continue the process once funding resumes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials say they\u2019re taking this one step at a time \u2014 adjusting as more information becomes available.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs of right now, we\u2019re business as usual. We have food to sustain typical distributions and supply clients in need. As demand increases, we\u2019ll have to review our supply and make purchases as needed \u2014 but currently, we\u2019re in a good position.\u201d Savannah Oates said. <\/p>\n
Officials say if you need help meeting basic needs, you can call 2-1-1 for local resources.<\/p>\n
If the shutdown keeps going, federal assistance could be suspended in less than two weeks \u2014 and vulnerable families could pay the price.<\/p>\n
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