With the federal shutdown, CalFresh (SNAP) benefits for November aren’t being issued yet in California. The state says court action hasn’t restarted payments as of today, so families should plan around a temporary gap.
At the same time, Contra Costa County leaders say they will distribute grocery debit cards to about 107,000 local CalFresh enrollees to help bridge the gap, as we shared earlier today. Details are rolling out through county channels; officials say the cards are intended to mirror a family’s typical benefit.
Below is a simple guide we put together to getting food today, plus where to watch for that county debit-card program.
1) Start with 211 right now
Dial 211 for live, 24/7 referrals to the nearest open pantry or hot-meal site. You can also call 800-830-5380. The Contra Costa Crisis Center operates 211 and can point you to what’s open today.
2) Use the Food Bank’s map or helpline
The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano lists free distributions by city and keeps a helpline at 855-309-FOOD (3663). If you can’t get online, call and an operator will give you today’s locations and hours.
You can use the tool to find food here: https://www.foodbankccs.org/find-food/foodbycity/
We went behind the scenes at the food bank last year, in case you want to see how it works.
3) Need a hot meal today?
Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa serves free meals at dining rooms countywide on weekdays, with some weekend options. Check hours before you go.
Here’s a list of their local dining room: https://loavesfishescc.org/need-a-meal/dining-room-locations/
4) Central County option: Monument Crisis Center
New clients can register on site and pick up emergency groceries on most weekday mornings at 1990 Market St., Concord.
Here’s info on their options: https://monumentcrisiscenter.org/food-distribution
5) Seniors 60+
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region delivers to homebound older adults and runs senior cafés for those who can get out. They can enroll you or a loved one and advise on immediate next steps.
Learn more here: https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/
6) Families with infants and young children
WIC continues to provide specific foods and e-benefits for pregnant people, infants, and children under 5. Contra Costa WIC has an online application and phone support at 800-414-4942.
More here: https://www.cchealth.org/services-and-programs/support-for-families/wic
7) CalFresh during the shutdown
- Status today — California’s social services department says judges have not restarted November benefits yet, so issuances remain paused.
- What could change — There are ongoing court orders and political moves around using federal contingency funds, but the timing of any payments is uncertain. Plan using the resources above until the state announces disbursements.
- Applications — You can still apply or renew to keep your case current, but new or monthly benefits likely won’t load until funding resumes. For application help, contact the Food Bank helpline or your local community-based organization.
8) About the County grocery debit cards
County officials say they will issue temporary grocery debit cards to CalFresh households in Contra Costa while benefits are frozen. Watch the County, the Board of Supervisors, and local outlets for where, when, and how cards are distributed. We will update when the County posts its schedule and FAQs.
