CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Most people think of CC County as a rich place. And on the average, it is.
Still, many people here rely on food aid programs like SNAP. And amidst an ongoing government shutdown, that program–and the aid–was in limbo.
Contra Costa County just moved fast to plug the hole, albeit at a high cost.
On Wed., Nov. 5, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved up to $21 million to shore up CalFresh benefits — California’s version of SNAP — so families aren’t left without grocery money this month.
The county also declared a local emergency tied to the disruption. Officials say more than 107,000 Contra Costa residents rely on CalFresh, including tens of thousands of kids and older adults.
Why this matters
The federal government is only covering part of November’s SNAP benefits during the shutdown, and payments may arrive late. That’s created immediate food insecurity across the Bay Area, with counties scrambling to fill the gap. Contra Costa’s action adds local dollars to keep groceries on the table until federal funding stabilizes.
How the county’s plan works
The county will fund and distribute pre-loaded debit cards to CalFresh-eligible households for November, with pickup starting the week of Nov. 10. Cards will initially load with about two weeks of benefits and may be topped up if federal funding resumes. Pickup sites include Richmond, Hercules, Pleasant Hill, and Antioch Employment & Human Services offices.
Here’s more info directly from the county itself: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/88841/CalFresh_Proclamation-press-release-11525
If you’re on CalFresh in Contra Costa, local outlets report that in-person pickup begins the week of Nov. 10 at those four offices. Regional and TV newsrooms have also confirmed the $21 million allocation and emergency declaration.
Who qualifies and what to expect
County officials say the cards are for CalFresh-eligible households for the month of November. The amount represents a short-term replacement for missing or delayed federal funds, with potential adjustments if Washington releases more money later. The county may use different distribution methods for especially vulnerable residents, such as homebound older adults and former foster youth in ILSP.
If you need immediate help finding food, we made a list of resources here.
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