Yolo County Responds to Expected CalFresh Benefit Delay with Coordinated Community Support Efforts

The following is a press release from our partners at Yolo County.

The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is proactively coordinating countywide efforts in response to an expected delay in CalFresh benefits resulting from the ongoing federal government shutdown. The County is working closely with city leadership and community partners, including the Yolo Food Bank, to ensure residents continue to have access to essential food resources.

"Yolo County is committed to standing with our residents during times of uncertainty," said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Mary Vixie Sandy. "Through strong partnerships with the Yolo Food Bank, and community organizations, we are ensuring that families continue to have access to the food and resources they need. This collaboration reflects the compassion and resilience that define Yolo County."

In the month of September alone, Yolo County issued more than $5.6 million in CalFresh benefits to 18,759 households representing 27,622 individuals. This figure underscores the potential local impact of any delay in federal funding. While CalWORKs and Medi-Cal programs remain funded and operational, CalFresh benefits are expected to be temporarily delayed because they are 100 percent federally funded.

In preparation for the anticipated delay, HHSA, the Yolo Food Bank, and other community partners are expanding efforts to ensure residents continue to have access to food and essential resources during this time. As part of this coordinated response, the Yolo Food Bank will deliver essential food items to the UC Davis Basic Needs Center on Saturday, November 8, and Saturday, November 15, where UC Davis staff will distribute them to students and campus community members. Additionally, the Food Bank is increasing overall food allocations by 20 percent across its nearly 60 regular distributions and working with 47 partner organizations throughout the county to ensure more resources reach those in need.

In addition, the Yolo Food Bank will offer emergency food distributions at the Yolo County Woodland and West Sacramento Service Centers on November 5, 6, 12, and 13 to directly support CalFresh recipients. These targeted efforts are part of a broader, coordinated response that extends beyond immediate food access, as the Yolo Food Bank and HHSA also coordinate with local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers that may experience secondary impacts from the temporary reduction in CalFresh spending power.

"This partnership demonstrates what's possible when agencies and community organizations come together quickly to meet an urgent need," said Karen Baker, Executive Director of the Yolo Food Bank. "The demand for food assistance is rising, and through collaboration with HHSA and our partners, we are mobilizing resources to make sure no one in Yolo County is left without support."

For updates and local food distribution information, please visit www.YoloFoodBank.org. There are a multitude of ways for community members to get involved, including volunteering or making a donation, individuals can register directly through the Yolo Food Bank's website.