Operation Feed California Kicks Off to Support Families Hit by CalFresh Delays

November 12, 2025

California has launched Operation Feed California, a statewide initiative to address food insecurity affecting 5. 5 million residents experiencing delays in federal SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. Although a federal court ordered the release of emergency funds, the distribution process to individual payment cards will take time, leaving vulnerable populations without crucial food assistance.

Who is affected

5.5 million Californians struggling with delayed SNAP benefits
CalFresh recipients experiencing payment delays
Tasha Reynolds, a 37-year-old single mother from San Diego's Encanto neighborhood, and her children
Part-time workers and low-income families relying on federal food assistance programs
Food banks experiencing increased demand
WIC program recipients (though currently funded through at least November 30)

What action is being taken

California Service Corps members are assisting with food distribution alongside the launch of Operation Feed California
Governor Newsom has directed the California National Guard to assist with food distribution across the state
The state is fast-tracking $80 million in emergency support to food banks
Community members are sharing food, gas money, and babysitting support
Food distribution sites are operating, including the San Diego site where thousands gathered on November 2
The Trump administration is using tariff revenue to temporarily fund WIC

Why it matters

This situation represents a critical food security crisis affecting millions of California's most vulnerable residents who depend on federal nutrition assistance to feed their families. The delays in SNAP benefits are forcing working families to choose between basic necessities and are straining community resources like food banks. The significance extends beyond immediate hunger concerns, as proposed cuts to SNAP benefits in H.R. 1 (The One Big Beautiful Bill Act) threaten longer-term food security for low-income communities. This crisis highlights the essential role of federal safety net programs and demonstrates how political decisions at the federal level have direct, tangible impacts on families' ability to meet their most basic needs.

What's next

Food banks will continue operating with state emergency funding support through CAFoodBanks.org
California will maintain WIC program funding through at least November 30
The state will continue its coordinated statewide response to prevent hunger across California cities and towns
Emergency federal funds will eventually be distributed to states and then loaded onto individual payment cards (timeline unspecified)
Operation Feed California will continue encouraging residents to volunteer, donate, and organize community-based aid like meal trains or grocery deliveries

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint