NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. October 22, 2025 – In Nevada County, 13,617 people are enrolled in CalFresh, including 3,346 children and 2,079 seniors over 65. If the federal shutdown continues past tomorrow, October 23rd, their food assistance benefits may be delayed. In other words, they might not receive SNAP/food stamps in November.

CalFresh in Nevada County

CalFresh contributes about $2.3 million each month to the local Nevada County economy through grocery stores, farmers markets (including Market Match), and other local businesses, according to data from the state.

CalFresh participants will be notified by the State (California Department of Social Services) which administers benefits. The County’s role is to determine eligibility, process applications, and connect residents to food resources.

Residents can verify their benefit status or receive official updates at:

Available resources and an appeal to the community

Residents concerned about food access can call 211 for local food distribution locations and assistance. No other services are currently disrupted. Nevada County will continue enrolling and assisting residents as usual. The County continues to monitor updates from the California Department of Social Services and will share new information as it becomes available.

In western Nevada County, the Food Bank of Nevada County and Interfaith Food Ministry are closely following any developments and preparing for an even greater need for their services.

Bret Bentley, Executive Director of the Food Bank, said “We are preparing for the immediate surge in need. We will continue to distribute food directly to those impacted and expand our partnerships with local organizations to ensure food gets to where it’s needed most. We are prepared and ready to step up, but we can’t do it alone. This short-term crisis has long-term consequences. If CalFresh benefits are paused, it will put unprecedented pressure on our resources: food, staff, volunteers, and funding. We’re asking our community to rally with us. Financial donations go the furthest. Thanks to our partnerships with local farms and distributors, we can stretch every dollar to feed more of our neighbors. If you’re in a position to help, now is the time. We welcome all food donations and volunteer support to help meet the increased demand.”

Victoria Lindsay with Interfaith Food Ministry explained: “With the government shutdown threatening SNAP (CalFresh) benefits, many families, individuals, and seniors right here in Nevada County could soon face empty pantries and tough choices. IFM was founded nearly 40 years ago by neighbors who believed we’re stronger when we come together, and that spirit still guides us today. This is where organizations like IFM become more important than ever. We’re already seeing an increase in need, and at the same time, we’re working through lower donations and rising food costs. With our strong buying power – monetary donations get stretched even further and are what we need most right now. We’ve also implemented a reservation system for our clients to make food pickup faster and easier. Our community is truly incredible and organizations like ours and the Food Bank of Nevada County are here for our neighbors. We are all in this together.”

Neighboring counties also impacted

SNAP is part of the Farm Bill, affecting more people than any other farm bill program, on the local, state and federal levels. Federally, SNAP cost about $100 billion in 2024, including $94 billion in benefit payments, according to the USDA – or 1.5% of the federal budget. [source: Journalists Resource]

Statewide, SNAP provides $1,053,669,789 a month to over 5.5 million Californians – an average of $209 a person.

Yuba County’s economy will be deprived of $3.5 million each month and Placer County’s economy will experience a loss of $5.1 million a month.