CalFresh Updates and Bay Area Food Pantry and Emergency Food Aid Resources

CalFresh / SNAP benefits:

BayLegal has been carefully monitoring the quickly changing legal landscape, participating in expert taskforces, and working with our clients as they navigate the cut-off of SNAP since November 1^st due to the federal shutdown and White House refusal to use emergency reserves to continue payments.  Several cases have been filed across the country, and several federal courts have ordered the use of emergency reserves to pay SNAP benefits. The cases continue and the White House has appealed to stop the use of emergency reserves to provide SNAP benefits for eligible Americans in need of food.

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Current Status:  CA Department of Social Services provides updated CDSS Frequently Asked Questions

More information on Why Californians need food assistance

Notice to CalFresh Recipients: Please continue to check your balances daily to see if benefits have been issued. 

Resources for food: BayLegal website maintains a list of emergency food assistance programs throughout the Bay Area.  See the link below.

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Food Assistance programs by county:

• Alameda County or call 510-635-3663
• Contra Costa & Solano Counties or call 855-309-FOOD (3663)
  • The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has approved up to $21 million to purchase debit cards for November-eligible CalFresh families.
    • For further details including a list of distribution sites open as of Monday, November 10th, please see the Contra Costa EHSD press release.
• Marin County or call 415-282-1900
• Napa County or call 707-253-6128
• San Francisco County or call 211
  • SFHSA is giving a one-time prepaid grocery card to San Francisco CalFresh households: CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card
    • CalFresh recipients in San Francisco should also read the FAQ on how to receive emergency assistance funded by city.
    • Information on the CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card
      • For CalFresh recipients
      • For provider organizations
  • Additional information for aid partners and outreach efforts
• San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties or call 1-800-984-3663

Additional resources and information can be located by dialing 211, or visiting the website of the California Association of Food Banks.