Fresno County issued a statement to residents who receive CalFresh that said they could see a delay in their November benefits because of the government shutdown, which started on Oct. 1. 

Calfresh is a statewide program that provides money to low-income households for the purchase of food. It is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

According to the statement to CalFresh recipients, the delay would only affect November benefits. October benefits will not be impacted, and residents can still use any existing CalFresh benefits.

The notice blames the delay on the federal government not approving funds for the next month, due to the shutdown. 

“The federal government has not approved us to provide you benefits during this time,” the statement says.

The statement says it understands this is a difficult situation for residents who rely on CalFresh for food assistance. CalFresh and Fresno County plan to share more information about November benefits as soon as possible.

CalFresh residents across the state will be affected, not just Fresno residents.

Residents are encouraged to check their CalFresh balance using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of their EBT card.

For more information about CalFresh benefits and the impacts of the federal shutdown, residents can visit the website linked in the notice.

The county emphasized that it will provide updates as soon as federal funding decisions are made.

As the situation develops, CalFresh users are being advised to stay informed and keep track of their current benefits.