Every day, families across Contra Costa and Solano counties work hard to put food on the table, care for loved ones, and build a better future. For many of our neighbors, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, provides the support they need to weather difficult times while continuing to purchase nutritious food for themselves and their families.
Congress has an opportunity to help keep that support strong by delaying a massive shift of SNAP program costs to states – but they need to hear from you that this is a priority. By taking action, you can help:
- Protect food assistance for seniors, veterans, children, and working families.
- Avoid unnecessary cuts to other essential services or tax increases.
- Strengthen local economies while ensuring families continue to have reliable access to nutritious food.
Why are program costs shifting?
As part of last summer’s H.R. 1 budget bill, which cut SNAP by $200 billion, Congress passed a provision requiring states to shoulder more of the cost of running the SNAP program.
In California alone, these costs will add more than $1.8 billion to the state budget starting in October.
Without additional time to prepare, California—and many other states—will face significant new financial obligations with only a few months to adjust. That could force state leaders into difficult choices, including reducing access to SNAP, cutting funding for other essential public services, or raising taxes.
These outcomes are avoidable. A two-year delay would give states the time needed to strengthen program operations, improve administrative accuracy, stabilize their budgets, and protect food assistance for the people who rely on it most.
SNAP Is More Than Food Assistance
SNAP is one of the nation’s most effective anti-hunger programs. It helps seniors, veterans, military families, children, people with disabilities, and working families afford nutritious food while supporting local businesses, grocery stores, retailers, and farmers.
Every SNAP dollar spent generates approximately $1.54 in economic activity, helping keep money circulating through local communities. Those dollars don’t stop at the checkout line. They help sustain jobs, strengthen local food systems, and support businesses throughout California. When SNAP is strong, communities are stronger.
Understanding the SNAP Cost Shift
One important point often gets overlooked. The proposed SNAP cost shift is tied to a state’s payment error rate, but that does not mean fraud. Payment errors are typically administrative mistakes, such as incomplete paperwork, outdated technology, or the complexity of determining eligibility under federal and state guidelines.
Food banks are not asking Congress to eliminate the policy. We’re asking Congress to give states the time they need to improve these systems before new financial responsibilities take effect.
A thoughtful transition will help prevent unnecessary disruptions while protecting families who depend on nutrition assistance.
Why This Matters to Our Community
At the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, we know that charitable food assistance alone cannot meet the growing need in our community. CalFresh/SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger, while food banks provide critical support when families need additional help. Together, these programs create a stronger safety net than either could provide alone.
Delaying the SNAP cost shift would help ensure California has the time to strengthen program operations without placing additional strain on families, local economies, schools, public safety, or other essential community services.
Take Action
Your voice can make a difference. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support a two-year delay of the SNAP cost shift for all states. Visit our partners at Feeding America to contact your reps in minutes.
Together, we can protect one of our nation’s most effective anti-hunger programs while giving states the time they need to prepare responsibly.