As the government shutdown enters its second month with no end in sight, the Trump White House has announced that SNAP benefits will end on November 1. Charities and Food Banks are expected to be overrun with those affected by the loss of this critical benefit.
From a story on CBS News:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on.
The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice says. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.”
Democrats are the ones fighting to maintain SNAP benefits and sustain grants to keep ACA healthcare costs down. Cuts to safety net programs have long been on Republican wish lists along with steeper tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
For those in Orange County, impacted by cuts to SNAP, here’s where you can find some relief:
- Orange County residents can call 211 for food resources and other services. 211 OC also has a map of all food resources in the county. We psted that link below.
- Catholic Charities of Orange County offers food resources every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to noon at 2020 W. Chestnut Ave. in Santa Ana. Bring boxes or bags.
- South County Outreach runs a food pantry at 7 Whatney, Suite B in Irvine stocked with essential ingredients for every household like milk, butter, eggs and produce. To shop their pantries, individuals will need to complete a few forms and provide identification for all household members. Take photos of identification on your phone. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County distributes food through nearly 300 partners across the county, including nonprofits, places of worship and schools.
Here’s the list which offers resources city-by-city.
SHFB-Partner-List-10-13-25-v3.pdf
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