Overview: CalFresh shutdown
Local food banks and nonprofits are being mobilized to ensure no one goes hungry, and beneficiaries can still use the remaining balance on their EBT cards.
With the federal government shutdown set to delay CalFresh benefits (SNAP), nearly 400,000 San Diegans in approximately 240,000 households will see a break in their November payments.
More than 63% of SNAP participants in California are children or seniors.
Local food banks and nonprofits are mobilized to ensure no one goes hungry. The distributions will take place on Saturday. Beneficiaries can still use the remaining balance on their EBT cards.
There are multiple resources available at this time – no questions asked.
Important dates and contacts
- CalFresh/EBT recharge delay: Saturday
- Check your remaining EBT balance: Call the number on the back of your card
- County Customer Service Center: 1-866-262-9881 (Open Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Benefits updates: sdcounty.gov/calfresh | benefitscal.com
- Immediate help finding food: call 211 or stop by 211sandiego.org. 211 is available 24/7 in more than 200 languages and maintains up-to-date information about local food sources.
Feeding San Diego
Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank (Food Bank San Diego)
Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)
The Salvation Army San Diego County
- Multiple food bank locations
- Website: sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/food-pantries
- Locations include:
- Center City: 825 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-699-2219
- Chula Vista: 648 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 619-422-7027
- Escondido: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026 | 760-745-8613
Tips for getting help
- Bring a reusable bag and check distribution times before you go
- Most sites are accessible to everyone; no ID or proof of income is required
- Families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities are eligible
- Arrive early; demand rises sharply during benefit delays
- Use emergency food distributions (TEFAP) or local pantries; many of these allow self-certification
- Search online maps for free food distributions by zip code
- California has deployed the National Guard to help food banks meet increased demand
Additional options for SNAP recipients
Some apps and delivery services offer discounts or special programs for SNAP/EBT users, allowing them to extend remaining benefits or purchase groceries. Examples include DoorDash, Instacart and GoPuff, which occasionally offer SNAP-specific deals or credits. Check each app’s website or settings to see current offers in your region.
.
#food #San #Diego #federal #government #shutdown