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County health director warns CalFresh benefits may be delayed if federal shutdown continues
Summary
County Health & Human Services director Liz Hamilton told the Board that a continuing federal shutdown could delay November CalFresh (SNAP) benefits and that the county is monitoring other federally funded safety-net programs.
Liz Hamilton, director of the Trinity County Health and Human Services Agency, told the Board on Oct. 21 that a continuing federal government shutdown could disrupt some federally funded safety-net programs for county residents.
Hamilton said CalFresh (California’s SNAP program) benefits for October have been issued and can be used through the month, but that continued federal inaction could delay issuance of November benefits. "CalFresh just being the main talking point right now," she said, adding that the state Department of Social Services is notifying beneficiaries directly by text, email and phone as signed up information allows.
Hamilton said the county expects to continue processing new applications and renewals in the short term, but that some programs with a federal funding component will be monitored for impacts, including the federal portion of foster care and adoption payments, the federal portion of In‑Home Supportive Services, child‑care development funds, and WIC (Women, Infants and Children). She reported that Trinity County has "just over 3,000 persons" enrolled in CalFresh.
Hamilton said emergency food and senior food box programs were stable through December under current assumptions and that county staff would issue local press releases and field direct inquiries from beneficiaries whose renewals are affected. The county will provide updates as federal and state guidance evolves.
Board members asked for clarity on notice channels; Hamilton said the state will send direct notices to beneficiaries and the county will supplement that with local outreach and personal contacts for renewals and applicants who call the office.
