Updated Sept 2, 2025
This summer, Congress passed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” which will make big cuts and changes to CalFresh (nationally known as SNAP, formerly food stamps) over the next few years.
With so much going on, we want you to know what’s happening with CalFresh right now – and to dispel some common myths our team is hearing.
- CalFresh is not ending and eligibility changes being discussed in the news won’t apply in California until 2026.
- Have more questions about CalFresh? Our multi-lingual CalFresh Outreach Team is here to help. Schedule a call.
Q: “I heard CalFresh/SNAP is being canceled at the end of this year!”
Answer: CalFresh has not been canceled, and the program will continue in 2026.
Fake “news” reports on Facebook have claimed that SNAP, WIC and other social programs have already been eliminated. This is not true!
To find reliable news about CalFresh, check the California Department of Social Services, Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department or Solano Health and Social Services.
Or contact the Food Bank’s multi-lingual CalFresh Outreach Team – we are happy to help! Schedule a call.
Q: "I just lost my job, but I heard this program was getting cut, so I don't think it's even worth applying"
Answer: While cuts and changes to eligibility are coming, it is still worth seeing if you will qualify for benefits!
Many of the new rules related to eligibility that have been discussed in the news will not go into effect in California until 2026, and you can still receive extra grocery money to support your household.
The CalFresh Outreach Team at the Food Bank can help you understand if you are eligible for benefits – and help you access other free Food Bank programs (free produce and grocery distributions, food pantries, etc.) if needed.
Q: “I’m worried that I’ll get in trouble and lose my benefits because the rules for CalFresh are changing.”
Answer: It is possible that the upcoming rule changes that were included in H.R. 1 could affect your eligibility.
If you are no longer eligible for CalFresh due to a change in the eligibility rules, changes in your income, or because you did not submit required recertification documents, your benefits will be discontinued and a letter will be mailed to you to explain why. There are no other consequences, and you can always re-apply for benefits.
If you are accidentally overpaid, even if it is the County’s fault, the extra money you were paid must be paid back. If this happens, a notice will be sent to your home so the issue can be resolved. While it is very important to resolve overpayment issues, the worst that may happen is a forced repayment (tax refund garnished). No one is jailed or reported to authorities for overpayment.
Our CalFresh Outreach Team closely monitors all changes to CalFresh eligibility, and can work with you to help you find ways to keep your benefits, such as volunteering. They can also answer questions and work with you in the event of an overpayment issue. Schedule a call.
Q: “Now that there are cuts coming, it’s not worth applying to CalFresh because I will only receive the minimum benefit.”
Answer: We believe that some help is better than none. Even $23 (the lowest benefit offered), can free up some room in the budget for rent, the light bill, gas money, or other needed expenses.
CalFresh enrollment also comes with other perks and discounts. Our CalFresh Outreach Team can share more about how to access these perks:
- Shop at farmer’s markets and get up to $10 matched through the Market Match program
- Discounted PG&E services
- Discounted phone services with California Lifeline
- Museums for All provides free or reduced entry to museums.
- Cardholders receive free admission for 4 to the Monterey Bay Aquarium ($200 value)!
- No Amazon Prime membership required to shop eligible items.
Q: “I’m worried that my information will be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities, or affect my immigration status.”
Answer: As of Sept. 2, 2025, CalFresh benefits are not a public charge – which means receiving them will not affect your immigration status.
It’s true that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has asked states to turn over personal information about CalFresh/SNAP recipients, including home addresses and other sensitive information. States that do not comply risk losing some of their funding to run the program.
As of Sept. 2, 2025, California has not turned over any private personal data to the USDA, and is actively fighting these orders. The state Attorney General is currently seeking a court order to block the USDA’s request. California has also joined other states in suing the USDA over this order, arguing it is unconstitutional and violates privacy rights.
Our CalFresh Outreach Team can help you understand how your personal data is protected, and what can be viewed by others, so you can make the decision that is right for you and your family. Contact us today to learn more.
We’ll continue to update this page with any new information about changes to CalFresh. Please check back!