Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the CalFresh topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marin officials warn HR1 changes could reduce CalFresh enrollment; county launches transition supports
Summary
County health staff told supervisors that federal HR1 changes narrowed some non‑citizen eligibility and restored work requirements effective June 1; staff estimate up to about 300 non‑citizen recipients and roughly 1,500 able‑bodied adults without dependents could be affected and outlined outreach and a transition grocery‑card program.
Health and Human Services staff told the Marin County Board of Supervisors on May 5 that recent federal changes (HR1) will narrow some CalFresh (SNAP) eligibility for non‑citizens and reinstate work requirements for able‑bodied adults without dependents, and they detailed outreach and transition measures the county is deploying.
Division staff said HR1 limited CalFresh to citizens, lawful permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants and people under certain compact‑of‑free‑association rules beginning April 1, 2026, and restored work requirements effective June 1, 2026 for able‑bodied adults without dependents who must work or volunteer 20 hours weekly (or 80 hours monthly) to avoid benefit limits. Emma Crimmins said the county estimated up to about 300 people could lose eligibility under the non‑citizen changes and up to about 1,500 people may be subject to the work‑requirement rules; staff said those numbers will be refined at recertification.
County presenters emphasized that current non‑citizen recipients will continue to receive benefits until their next recertification and that some people may transition to the state‑funded California Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Staff also announced a short‑term CalFresh Transitions program, funded through leftover Food on Every Table funds, to provide grocery gift cards (up to $600 over three months) to help people affected by immigration‑status changes.
Supervisors asked about mixed‑status households, outreach to older adults who under‑enroll, and how the county will ensure accurate contact information for recipients. Staff said they would intensify coordinated outreach with community partners, update lobby materials and use the county call center and benefitscal.com to assist residents.
The board unanimously accepted the presentation and adopted a resolution recognizing CalFresh Awareness Month.
