Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California. This decision comes as the state faces a looming shortfall, which could impact over 5 million residents, including 2 million children. With the November 1, 2023, deadline fast approaching and the federal government shutdown now entering its second month, food banks across the Bay Area are mobilizing to support the half a million people who rely on these critical benefits.
The judges’ ruling on Friday stated that emergency funds must be utilized to maintain SNAP benefits, which are essential for one in eight Americans. Failure to fund the program could have devastating effects on food security for millions.
Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Oakland) addressed the media at a press conference, emphasizing the community’s commitment to ensuring families receive the support they need. “So while there may be a gap, we don’t even know what that gap may be, maybe hours, maybe days, we will take care of our own,” she stated.
Food banks have ramped up efforts to assist affected families. Regi Young, executive director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank, commented, “Right now, we are mobilizing our network. We’re purchasing a ton of food to come into the community so we can distribute it throughout Alameda County.”
The judges have requested an update from the Trump administration by Monday. In response, President Trump criticized “radical Democrats” for the ongoing government shutdown and indicated that while his administration would comply with court directives, clarity on the funding process was still needed. He posted on Truth Social that any guidance from the courts would lead to delays in disbursing funds to states.
Legal experts are weighing in on the implications of the judges’ ruling. David Levine from UC Law in San Francisco noted that the judges affirmed the administration’s authority to allocate emergency funds, saying, “These two judges independently, both said, you do have the power… for the administration to now say, Oh, we don’t know what it means, is kind of unusual.”
The situation remains precarious for many families. Annie Banks, coalition and community partnerships organizer at Parent Voices Oakland, highlighted the stress that uncertainty brings to parents. “Even just knowing the stress of knowing that your benefits may not be there next month… to think that your child is going to go hungry is a really just an evil form of suffering,” she remarked.
As beneficiaries await clarity on when CalFresh debit cards will be reloaded, it is important to note that the SNAP program costs approximately $8 billion per month nationally, with emergency funds covering about $5 billion of that total.
The ongoing legal developments surrounding SNAP funding illustrate the broader implications of the government shutdown, which has now lasted for over a month, jeopardizing essential services for millions of Americans.
