After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history is finally over. Congress and the President approved a spending package that funds some departments, including USDA and federal food and nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), through Sept. 30, 2026. This means that the 42 million SNAP recipients — 125,000 in San Francisco and Marin — whose benefits were paused will now receive their benefits.
The shutdown highlighted the fragility and uncertainty of SNAP, our nation’s most effective anti-hunger, anti-poverty program, that also strengthens local economies. Without urgent action, SNAP (known as CalFresh in California) is slated to be gutted. In July, the approved federal budget included devastating cuts of $186 billion to SNAP, which will have severe effects on our state. According to the Urban Institute and California Budget & Policy Center, 3.1 million Californians could lose some or all their SNAP/CalFresh benefits. These projected losses equal to 1.1 billion lost meals annually in California. Last year, combined, all the state’s food banks provided almost 650 million meals.
We must continue to fight to not only fully restore SNAP nationally, but to advocate for and develop California policies and programs to improve access and increase the adequacy of CalFresh benefits.
Given the increased demand and uncertainties our community is facing, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will continue our Shutdown Community Response programs until Dec. 31. These temporary resources include expanded home-delivered groceries and increased food support for partners and neighbors unable to access a food pantry. If you need food, or know someone who does, please click the Find Food button on the Food Bank’s homepage (sfmfoodbank.org).
The government shutdown demonstrated that hunger is a policy choice. San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is steadfast in working toward policies that will combat hunger, not cause it, while expanding critical community food access programs for people experiencing hunger today.
Share