CalFresh Benefits Restored, Relief for Thousands in Humboldt County
CalFresh payments for November began arriving for Humboldt County recipients on Thursday November 6 after a federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to locate funds to restore full SNAP benefits. The restoration affects roughly 22 percent of county residents and represents millions of dollars that help local families and businesses that accept EBT.
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Humboldt County residents who rely on CalFresh began receiving their November benefits on Thursday November 6 following delays caused by the recent federal government shutdown. A federal judge directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to find enough money to restore full funding for SNAP benefits by Friday November 7, and state and local officials reported the payments started being issued that evening.
The county Department of Health and Human Services described the development as a surprise and a relief. Director Connie Beck said with the changing information and unknowns, finding out benefits started being issued last night was a "wonderful surprise" and a relief for the more than 30,000 county residents who receive CalFresh. The county press release and a state news release from Governor Gavin Newsom said that, following lawsuits and a court order, full SNAP benefits began being issued on EBT cards for affected California recipients.
The restoration of benefits has immediate local consequences. About 22 percent of Humboldt County residents receive CalFresh, which amounts to roughly $5.8 to $6 million in benefits each month. Those dollars flow directly into the local economy when recipients use EBT at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retailers across the county. Local business owners who accept EBT have been affected by the temporary disruption in benefits, and county leaders say the restored payments will provide needed support to households and merchants alike.
Officials cautioned that the situation remains fluid as federal and state agencies implement the court order and continue to address funding questions. The interruption, even though short lived, highlighted vulnerabilities in the delivery of federally funded nutrition assistance during periods of federal budget uncertainty. State legal action and the judge's order were central to the resolution that allowed benefits to be reissued.
Residents with questions about CalFresh or their benefits can visit BenefitsCal.com or contact the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Social Services Call Center for assistance. Local advocates and service providers are encouraging recipients to check their EBT accounts and reach out for help if they experience any discrepancies or delays.
For many families in Humboldt County the restored CalFresh benefits mean groceries on the table and economic stability for small businesses that rely on EBT spending. County officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
