Federal shutdown may cut off SLO County’s CalFresh benefits
The ongoing shutdown of the federal government is now set to hurt some of San Luis Obispo County’s most vulnerable residents’ ability to get essential food.
According to a news release from the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services, on Wednesday the county received notices from the state and federal government that CalFresh benefits for November may be delayed if the government shutdown continues past Thursday.
Over 28,000 San Luis Obispo County residents rely on CalFresh to meet their basic food needs through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards that can be used to purchase groceries at stores and farmers markets, according to the release.
“We understand how concerning this uncertainty is for families across the county,” county Department of Social Services Director Devin Drake said in the release. “We are committed to keeping the public informed and supporting those affected in every way we can.”
Through the end of October, CalFresh benefits are still funded and available, and can be accessed as usual by the program’s recipients, according to the release.
Individuals can still apply for CalFresh benefits during the shutdown, and benefits are expected to resume when the shutdown is resolved, according to the release.
The county also expects CalFresh benefits to be issued retroactively once the federal government is up and running again.
In the meantime, CalWORKS benefits for November are not impacted by the federal shutdown.
People seeking immediate food assistance can find food near them by using the SLO Food Bank’s Food Resources Map at findfoodslo.org or by calling 805-238-4664.
Other resources for county residents can be accessed through the United Way of San Luis Obispo County Helpline in one of the following three ways: by calling 2-1-1, texting their ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting its website at 211slo.org.
More updates and information on the federal shutdown’s impacts on CalFresh and CalWORKS can be found at the county Department of Social Services website at slocounty.ca.gov/dss or at the state Department of Social Services website at cdss.ca.gov.
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
