A new report from the Nutrition Policy Institute documents the impacts of the unprecedented November 2025 CalFresh benefit disruption during the federal government shutdown based on field observations at California charitable food distribution sites. For the first time in the history of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, monthly benefits were not funded on schedule, leaving over 40 million U.S. participants—including 5.5 million Californians on CalFresh—at risk. Even though California restored CalFresh benefits earlier than most states, roughly 60% of households that normally receive benefits at the start of the month did not receive them on time.

Partnering with the California Association of Food Banks, NPI quickly deployed trained volunteer observers to charitable food sites across the state. Twelve sites were observed between November 8–17, 2025. Most sites reported serving at least 5-10% more households than typical with others reporting more dramatic increases. At many sites, lines formed hours before opening and clients expressed heightened fear and stress about food running out. Despite significant strain, food distribution sites adapted with compassion, professionalism, and resourcefulness. Observers noted welcoming environments, fresh food availability, and no clients turned away empty-handed.

This report highlights the crucial role of charitable food systems for food assistance during crises and the importance of sustained federal nutrition benefits. The report was written by NPI researchers Wendi Gosliner, Caitlin French, Danielle Lee, Samantha Sam-Chen, Ron Strochlic, Miranda Westfall Brown, Monica Zuercher, Molly Shea, Lorrene Ritchie, Reka Vasicsek and Hannah Thompson in collaboration with May Lynn Tan from the California Association of Food Banks, and Karina Dias Rios from the University of California, Merced, and Alexa Erickson and Amira Resnick from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.