Judges: SNAP Payments Must Resume — But California Families Still Face Uncertainty

November 3, 2025

Two federal judges have mandated that the Trump administration release $5. 3 billion in emergency contingency funds to partially sustain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November, as an ongoing government shutdown threatens food assistance for approximately 42 million Americans. The emergency funds fall significantly short of SNAP's $9 billion monthly requirement, prompting states like California—where 5.

Who is affected

Nearly 42 million SNAP recipients nationwide
5.4 million CalFresh recipients in California (13.7% of the state's population)
Families across all racial and ethnic groups (35% White, 26% African American, 16% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 1% Native American)
Food banks and distribution centers
Low-income families in San Mateo County and other high-cost areas
Caregivers experiencing fear, anxiety, and toxic stress
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
State officials and the National Guard in California
Family Connections organization in San Mateo County

What action is being taken

The USDA is releasing $5.3 billion in contingency reserves to partially cover November SNAP benefits
California has forwarded $80 million to food banks
California has deployed the National Guard to assist at food distribution centers
San Francisco has allocated $9 million in contingency funds for a public-private partnership providing prepaid grocery cards to CalFresh recipients
25 states, including California, have filed lawsuits to force the release of federal food assistance funds
Local and state entities are conducting emergency food distributions and soliciting private donations

Why it matters

This represents the first time in history that policymakers have failed to fund the SNAP program, threatening the basic survival needs of tens of millions of Americans. The crisis removes the foundational support that families depend on to maintain housing, employment, and health, with advocates warning that food security should be a fundamental right rather than a political bargaining chip. The situation is particularly severe in California, where food insecurity already exceeds the national average, and in high-cost areas like San Mateo County where the gap between earnings and survival costs is vast even for families with median household incomes exceeding $150,000. The inadequacy of the emergency funds—covering only about 60% of one month's needs—combined with the ongoing government shutdown entering its second month, creates profound uncertainty and toxic stress for vulnerable populations.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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