Updated October 2, 2025
As of Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. government has shut down. While this situation is still developing, we expect this will increase hunger in Contra Costa and Solano Counties – at a time when rising prices and historic cuts to food and medical benefits are already deepening the need in our communities.
Here is what we know so far…
How could the government shutdown increase hunger?
The truth is that many of us are one or two missed paychecks away from facing hard choices between mortgage and rent payments and basic essentials like food. That includes many federal government employees, contractors and members of the military who call Contra Costa and Solano Counties home – who are now at risk of furloughs or delayed paychecks.
If the government shuts down, we know from past experience that at least some federal employees will need help from our programs and our partners to fill the gap while they are without pay.
Food benefit programs like CalFresh (SNAP nationally, formerly food stamps) won’t be interrupted immediately, but if a shutdown is prolonged, some of our neighbors will likely need more support from the Food Bank. The Food Bank could also be impacted, as we receive some of the food we distribute from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
How will the government shutdown impact food benefits?
Benefit payments for CalFresh (SNAP nationally, formerly food stamps) will not be impacted in October. However, if the shutdown is prolonged, November’s payments could be affected.
If you receive CalFresh, we recommend trying to stretch your October benefit into November. We recognize that this will be a challenge, as many CalFresh recipients are already finding it difficult to make their payments last to the end of the month.
How is the Food Bank preparing for the shutdown?
The Food Bank remains open and ready to serve our community, just as we have for the past 50 years. No changes to our service are planned – but we are ready to adapt to new community needs should they arise.
Our multi-lingual CalFresh outreach team is available to answer questions and assist with new CalFresh applications throughout the shutdown. You can contact them at CF@foodbankccs.org or 925-603-3316.
We’re also working with our 245 community partners to ensure they’re prepared to serve additional members of our community.
How can I help?
The Food Bank is a resource that will always be there for anyone who needs us – but that is only possible with the support of caring and compassionate individuals like you. Even before the shutdown, need in our community has been deepening, thanks to rising costs and Congress’ $200-billion cut to food benefits.
While our Food Bank was originally designed to provide emergency food, many of our neighbors now come to us multiple times a month in order to make ends meet. Now, it’s likely we will be a critical resource for even more of your neighbors. If you are able to make a financial gift, please do.
If you or anyone you know is in need of food, please use our Find Food in My City tool to locate distributions near you. Please share this resource with your network, too. You never know what others may be facing!
We’ll continue to provide updates as this situation develops. Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to hear about how hunger is affecting our community, and the impact you make.