County warns of potential CalFresh delays as federal funding and court rulings unfold

Annie Hockett, director of the Tuolumne County Health and Human Services Agency, told the Board of Supervisors Nov. 4 that state and federal funding uncertainty could delay November CalFresh (SNAP) benefits.

Hockett said the state oversees policy implementation while counties perform eligibility and case management. Citing the federal appropriations lapse and two recent court rulings, she said the U.S. Department of Agriculture had indicated it did not plan to issue full benefits but was considering partial benefits; distribution of any resumed funding could still take days or weeks. As of Oct. 31, 2025, the county recorded 6,660 CalFresh recipients locally, including more than 1,500 children, more than 1,400 elderly residents, more than 800 disabled recipients and nearly 300 veterans.

Hockett reminded the board that local resources — Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency and community pantries — are available and that many local businesses and nonprofit groups have stepped up to help. She thanked county public‑service staff for managing increased call volumes and lobby traffic during the uncertainty and said the county will provide updates as state and federal guidance develops.