More than 65,000 people in San Diego face losing their access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This change stems from a recent budget reconciliation bill that tightens eligibility rules, especially for refugees and asylees who are legally present in the U.S. Others affected include victims of trafficking and individuals on humanitarian parole.
Anae Evangelista, a Community Impact Manager at the San Diego Hunger Coalition, emphasizes that the local refugee community relies heavily on these benefits. “Many come here seeking help, and now they’ll lose that support,” she said.
Additionally, the bill eliminates SNAP benefits for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Previously, California had a waiver allowing these individuals to access benefits beyond the usual three-month limit. Now, that exemption is gone.
The impact will be especially hard on families. “Finding affordable childcare is already tough,” Evangelista points out. While food banks and organizations can offer some temporary relief, the California Association of Food Banks highlights a significant gap: for every one meal provided by a food bank, SNAP delivers nine.
Shifting financial support for food aid from federal to state levels will also be difficult, especially as California is facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. Moreover, recent increases in immigration enforcement are pushing many to forgo government assistance. Some people fear that their SNAP information could be used against them in immigration matters, leading to lower participation rates.
Joseph Kendrick, Research Manager at the San Diego Hunger Coalition, says, “Fear around applying for benefits resurfaced after the first Trump administration. Now, this creates even more anxiety.” He also notes that about 180,000 eligible San Diegans are not enrolled in CalFresh, missing out on over 3 million meals each month. When combined with the 67,000 losing SNAP eligibility, the total meal deficit may reach 7 million. This results in a loss of over $12 million in benefits.
The economic implications are significant as well. Research indicates every dollar spent on CalFresh generates $1.79 in the local economy, meaning San Diego could see a staggering $22 million loss.
Currently, it’s uncertain when these changes will take effect, leaving many residents unsure about their food security. According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, over one in four San Diegans faces nutrition insecurity. “People need reliable food systems,” Evangelista states. “These cuts are among the most severe I’ve seen. SNAP is vital for feeding families and children.”
In a pressing situation like this, the ramifications stretch beyond just those receiving aid. They impact the entire community, stressing the need for thoughtful solutions to address these growing challenges.
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CalFresh,food banks,San Diego Hunger Coalition,SNAP
