Alisa Vaca, a CalFresh program specialist, told the Tulare County Task Force that the federal government shutdown beginning Oct. 1 did not disrupt October benefit issuances but did trigger state guidance to stop November issuances on Oct. 24. CDSS messaging began Oct. 21 about potential November delays, and local offices prioritized outreach via social media, flyers and the 211 helpline.

“On Nov. 7 partial CalFresh benefits were released, and by Nov. 10 the remaining amounts, including for applications granted in November, were released,” Vaca said. She described directing clients to food banks and coordinating with community partners to connect households with emergency resources.

County staff told the task force that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors has approved up to $1,000,000 to help United Way issue vouchers and $125 gift cards to people who were furloughed or otherwise missed benefits. Amy Shucklingen, the task force chair, said county officials hope the full allocation will not be needed but that the funds provide a safety net for people who “fell through the cracks” during the disruptions.

Vaca said United Way would issue $125 gift cards to some affected individuals and that local offices remained open and continued processing CalFresh applications during the interruption. The task force encouraged residents to use 211 and local food‑bank listings to find immediate assistance.

The task force did not take formal action on this item; members thanked CalFresh staff and noted the county’s financial backstop to support United Way outreach. Follow‑up: United Way and county staff will coordinate distribution details and public outreach.