URGENT UPDATE: A government shutdown is causing immediate delays in food assistance for thousands in San Diego County. Families relying on CalFresh benefits face uncertainty as they prepare for Thanksgiving, with many like Maria Hernandez unsure how to afford basic groceries.
As of November 5, 2025, approximately 400,000 CalFresh recipients in the county have not received their benefits, with state officials not yet providing guidance on when assistance might resume. According to Cassie Saunders, a spokesperson for the county, updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Maria, who normally receives about $130 for grocery assistance, is now expecting only around $60 this month—if she receives anything at all. “I got nervous. I got scared. I got worried. You know, like, how are we going to eat?” she expressed as she stood by her empty fridge. This year, her beloved Thanksgiving dish, a signature potato casserole, may not be possible due to the lack of funds for ingredients.
The shutdown is not just an inconvenience; it poses serious risks for families already struggling to make ends meet. Many recipients are left scrambling, turning to local resources such as food banks and community programs. The demand for food assistance is surging, with lines at places like the Poway food bank stretching into the hundreds this week.
“I feel bad for the other people, like the other mothers that are out there with a lot of children that aren’t going to be able to feed their kids,” Maria lamented, highlighting the broader implications of the funding delays. This situation raises urgent questions about the future of critical assistance programs. “If it’s CalFresh, what’s next? Section 8? People getting their disability? People getting welfare?” she added, emphasizing her fears about the stability of support systems.
Families across the county are in a state of distress as they await clarity on their food assistance. The situation continues to develop, and residents are encouraged to stay updated through county communications. With Thanksgiving approaching, the urgency to resolve these delays is crucial for many struggling families.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities respond to this unfolding crisis affecting thousands across San Diego County.
