Government shutdown may cut off access to CalFresh benefits in November

The ongoing federal government shutdown could threaten benefits CalFresh recipients expect in November, San Diego County officials said Tuesday.

The announcement follows guidance late Monday from the California Department of Social Services. County staff began notifying recipients Tuesday about the possible delay or cancellation of November’s funds.

The delay will occur if the shutdown continues past Thursday. The shutdown began Oct. 1, after Congress did not pass a new funding bill.

CalFresh is the California version of the federal food assistance program also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as EBT or food stamps. The program is entirely federally funded, but is managed by states and administered by counties.

According to the county, Octobe