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November 2025 SNAP benefit disruption: Findings from a rapid-response observational study of charitable food programs in California
- Gosliner, Wendi;
- Tan, May Lynn;
- French, Caitlin;
- Lee, Danielle L;
- Nguyen, Caroline;
- Sam-Chen, Samantha;
- Strochlic, Ron;
- Brown, Miranda W;
- Dias Rios, Karina;
- Erickson, Alexa;
- Resnick, Amria;
- Shea, Molly;
- Ritchie, Lorrene D;
- Vasicsek, Reka;
- Thompson, Hannah R
Published Web Location
https://doi.org/10.82922/B2CC7CAbstract
A Nutrition Policy Institute report on a rapid-response observational study, which documents how charitable food programs across California were impacted by the unprecedented November 2025 disruption of SNAP/CalFresh benefits during a federal government shutdown. Drawing on observations and staff interviews from 12 food distribution sites, the report highlights sharp increases in demand, heightened client fear and anxiety, and the operational strain placed on charitable food providers. Despite these challenges, food banks demonstrated remarkable adaptability—maintaining orderly, compassionate services and ensuring no clients were turned away—offering critical insights into the charitable food system’s capacity to respond during national nutrition assistance crises.