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County officials warn of local hunger surge as CalFresh benefits suspended; food bank ramps up distributions
Summary
Imperial County social services and Imperial Valley Food Bank warned the Board that CalFresh benefits for November will be suspended until federal funding resumes, and urged residents and local institutions to prepare for increased need.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors heard on Oct. 28 that CalFresh benefits for November will be suspended until federal funding resumes, and county and nonprofit leaders urged residents to use available local resources and to donate money and volunteer time.
Social Services Director Polly Janos told the board, “In Imperial County, there is approximately 25 26,000 households that receive CalFresh benefits, and that amounts to about 50,000 individuals.” She said October benefits that remain on EBT cards can be used in November, but new November benefits will not be issued until federal funding is restored.
Why it matters: County staff and the Imperial Valley Food Bank said the suspension will likely increase demand for food distributions and other social services in a county where many households already rely on public benefits.
Janos gave figures and operational context: the county estimates roughly 25,000–26,000 CalFresh households (about…
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