California has begun issuing full November CalFresh benefits for 5.5 million residents statewide — including nearly 400,000 San Diegans — after a federal court ordered the Trump Administration to release funds it unlawfully froze during the government shutdown.

The decision comes just three days after the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Chair Pro Tem Paloma Aguirre, passed an emergency measure calling on the Trump Administration to release contingency reserves and warning that every day of inaction was pushing families closer to hunger.

Statement from Chair Terra Lawson-Remer:

“Thanks to increased pressure by the County of San Diego and Governor Gavin Newsom, our residents are finally beginning to see their full SNAP benefits restored on their EBT cards for November. This is a monumental legal win after California and a coalition of more than 20 states challenged the Trump Administration’s cruel and unlawful attempt to starve children and seniors — including 400,000 recipients here in San Diego County. But this fight is far from over. The Trump Administration is now seeking an emergency block on paying the food benefits in full. It’s abundantly clear they’re playing politics with hunger — and we’re not going to let them.”

What This Means for San Diegans

• Benefits restored: CalFresh benefits for the month of November will be fully issued and available by the end of the day on November 10th.
• No loss of past funds: Any balance from prior months remains valid and will not be revoked.
• Check your balance: Visit EBT.ca.gov, use the EBT app, or call the number on the back of your EBT card.
• Eligibility reminder: A family of four must earn less than $5,360 per month to qualify for CalFresh.
• Scale of impact: In San Diego County, nearly 125,000 children and 100,000 seniors depend on CalFresh, which delivers about $75 million each month into local grocery stores, markets, and small businesses.
• Local assistance: If you still need food while awaiting your benefit reload, call 211 San Diego or visit:
  • 211sandiego.org
    
  • Feeding San Diego interactive pantry map
  • Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank pantry map
  • County Family Resource Centers, open for in-person help with benefits or card replacement.

Background

• Federal shutdown: Began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, halting new SNAP appropriations.
• State and local pressure: The County’s Nov. 4 resolution directed letters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordination with the California State Association of Counties to demand immediate release of federal reserves.
• Court ruling: On Nov. 6, a federal judge ordered the USDA to restore full SNAP benefits nationwide.
• Ongoing risk: The Trump Administration has filed an emergency motion to block future payments, which could again threaten December benefits if successful.