Two federal judges have mandated that the Trump administration continue funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California. This decision comes as the state faces a potential funding shortfall that could impact over 5 million residents, including approximately 2 million children, who rely on this crucial assistance. The ruling arrives amid a government shutdown that has extended into its second month and is pressing food banks in the Bay Area to ramp up efforts to support the half a million individuals in the region dependent on these benefits.
In a decision issued on Friday, the judges ordered the administration to utilize emergency funds to sustain SNAP benefits, which were scheduled to expire on November 1, 2023. “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,” stated Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Oakland) at a press conference following the ruling. “I am going back to D.C. to send the message back that in the East Bay and California’s 12th district, we have a tapestry committed to ensuring that our families are going to be okay.”
Food banks are responding proactively to the situation. Regi Young, executive director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank, emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources quickly. “Right now, we are purchasing a ton of food to come into the community so we can get those out into our communities throughout Alameda County,” Young said.
The judges have requested an update from the Trump administration by Monday regarding the implementation of their ruling. In response, President Trump expressed frustration, attributing the government shutdown to “radical Democrats” who he claimed were obstructing efforts to reopen the government. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he noted that while the administration would comply with the court’s decision, they required further guidance, stating, “even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out.”
Legal experts have weighed in on the implications of the ruling. David Levine, a law professor at UC San Francisco, remarked, “In a way, it’s just second-guessing the judges right? What the President said is, we don’t think we have this power. Well, these two judges have said, Yes, you do, at least on an emergency basis.” He emphasized that the administration’s hesitation to act is unprecedented given the judges’ clear directive.
The ruling has brought a sense of relief to advocacy groups, but uncertainty still looms. Annie Banks, a coalition and community partnerships organizer at Parent Voices Oakland, highlighted the ongoing stress families are experiencing. “It’s so much precarity. You know, even if this ruling does have a positive impact, it’s like even just knowing the stress of knowing that your benefits may not be there next month,” she said. Banks added that their organization operates a food pantry for families in need, acknowledging the anxiety surrounding the timing of CalFresh debit card reloads, which typically takes one to two weeks.
Nationally, the SNAP program costs approximately $8 billion per month, with emergency funds accounting for about $5 billion. The need for continued funding is critical not only for the residents of California but for millions of Americans across the country who depend on this assistance to meet their basic nutritional needs.
As the situation develops, state officials and community organizations continue to prepare for potential disruptions while advocating for sustained support for families relying on SNAP benefits.
