Where to get help as CalFresh pause leaves Sacramento families scrambling
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Federal SNAP funding pause halts November CalFresh payments for millions.
- Local food banks and counties brace for record demand and extend aid.
- Residents should locate local food sites, keep signing up for CalFresh and seek help.
Thousands of Sacramento-area families — and millions across California — will begin losing their CalFresh benefits this weekend as the federal government’s funding pause takes effect.
Local food banks and county officials are bracing for record demand and asking residents for patience, compassion and understanding as long lines are likely to form at food distribution sites around the capital.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it will not draw from its $5 billion reserve to cover November’s SNAP payments, meaning benefits will lapse until Congress restores funding.
Here are some resources available to residents who are food-insecure:
If you need food right now
Four local food banks — Feeding the Foothills, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Yolo Food Bank and Yuba-Sutter Food Bank — participate in a national network called Feeding America that collects donated food from manufacturers, retailers and farmers. They then distribute that bounty to either directly to local residents or to neighborhood food closets, food pantries or food banks.
To find the closest food distribution site, visit the website for the food bank serving your county and then click the tab that says “find food” or “get food assistance.”
Sacramento County: sacramentofoodbank.org
El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties: feedingthefoothills.org
Yuba-Sutter counties: www.feedingys.org
Don’t see your county here? Go to the Feeding America website and click “find a food bank.”
Neighbors fighting food insecurity
Sacramento-area residents also share their garden-fresh produce and other supplies in pantries and refrigerators around town. The Awkward Gardeners Community Table, a group that fights food waste and food insecurity, lists more than a dozen sites.
Free fridge: 1322 F Street, Sacramento, 95814
Free pantries: 765 Sotano Drive, Sacramento, 95833; Green Box @ Corner of N Street and 11th Street, Sacramento, 95814; 3405 Broadway, Sacramento, 95817; 5020 Bradford Drive, Sacramento, 95820; 9 Questa Court, Sacramento, 95833; 4244 Cabrillo Way, Sacramento, 95820; 1617 25th St., Sacramento, 95816 (Alley); 425 Lampasas Ave., Sacramento, 95815; 3210 California Ave., Carmichael, 95608; 2417 Aramon Drive, Rancho Cordova, 95670; 718 Flint Way, Sacramento, 95818; Strapping Store, 3405 Broadway, Sacramento 95817
Free farm stands: 3200 16th Ave., Sacramento, 95820 (Alley); 2021 Bell St., Sacramento, 95825
If you’re choosing between food and bills
Are you struggling with touch choices such as whether to buy food or medicine as a result of this crisis? Call 211 and ask whether there’s help for you.
College students can get help on campus
Local college and university students can find on-campus resources for food assistance. To find them, go online, enter the name of your college and “basic needs program.” An example: “Sierra College basic needs program”
Los Rios Community College District: losrios.edu/student-resources/basic-needs-resources for students at Sacramento City, American River and Cosumnes River colleges.
Sierra College: sierracollege.edu/student-services/health-and-wellbeing/basic-needs-resources
Woodland Community College: wcc.yccd.edu/student/basic-needs-center
Yuba College: yc.yccd.edu/student/dustys-food-pantry
Sacramento State: csus.edu/student-life/health-counseling/basic-needs-resource-center
UC Davis: aggiecompass.ucdavis.edu
Maintain or sign up for CalFresh benefits
Don’t let your CalFresh benefits lapse as you may be entitled to benefits that went unpaid during the pause. Go ahead and sign up for CalFresh benefits because that will ensure your benefits can start when the pause ends.
Find mental health resources
Stress can cause anger, frustration or depression. There are a number of resources for mental health:
Call 988 to learn what’s available to you, or chat with someone at the website.
In El Dorado County, call 800-929-1955 or visit www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Health-Well-Being/Behavioral-Health.
In Nevada County, get help at 530-265-1437 or go to www.nevadacountyca.gov/430/Behavioral-Health.
In Placer County, call 916-787-8860 or visit www.placer.ca.gov/2166/Mental-Health-Services.
In Sacramento County, call 916-875-1055 or visit dhs.saccounty.gov/BHS to schedule time with a mental health professional.
In Sutter-Yuba counties, visit www.suttercounty.org/government/county-departments/health-and-human-services/sutter-yuba-behavioral-health.
In Yolo County, visit www.yolocounty.gov/government/general-government-departments/health-human-services/mental-health/mental-health-services.
Help for victims of domestic violence
If you wish to get confidential help to escape a violent relationship, experts are standing ready to help:
El Dorado County: www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/files/assets/county/v/3/documents/public-safety-amp-justice/public-safety/community-resource-guide-w-pg-numbers.pdf
Nevada County: www.nevada211.org/domestic-violence-services/
Placer County: standupplacer.org/
Sacramento County: www.saccourt.ca.gov/restraining-orders/docs/domestic-violence-resources.pdf
Sutter, Yuba and Colusa counties: casaysc.org/
If you still have CalFresh funds
Did you know that many farmers markets around the state will match whatever CalFresh dollars you spend, thereby doubling your purchasing power? Learn more and search for the location closest to you at marketmatch.org.
Would a financial coach help?
Would a financial coach help you? In the city of Sacramento, you can schedule an appointment with one. Call 916-808-4927 or email fec@cityofsacramento.org.
If you have a HUD housing voucher or a project-based voucher in Placer County, you may qualify to participate in a family self-sufficiency program that has financial incentives.
