On November 1st, due to the government shut down, California had a recent change on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) referred to as CalFresh in California, where only half of these benefits will be given. Since these changes have been made, it has made a big impact on some students and families in the area. This has been the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, under Donald Trump’s presidency, beginning October 1, 2025, lasting 44 days.
Diana Nguyen, principal at Del Mar, says the SNAP change has not had an impact at our school or providing brunch or lunch for students, but is most worried about the students and their families.
“Through our partnership with awakening church, we’re able to provide a mobile food pantry twice a month here at Del Mar. It’s at 3:30 every other Tuesday in the back parking lot.” Nguyen said.
Nguyen, principal at Del Mar, said that less benefits have bigger effects on families, especially on their ability to get enough food, which makes her feel worried and concerned about the impact that SNAP will have on our community as a whole.
A freshman shares their experience with SNAP benefits.
“My family goes to get food from the food pantries which helps me and my family have food,” they said.
They said that they wish people would understand that “SNAP helps a lot of people by providing food to many people in need.” Due to the recent changes in SNAP benefits, they were affected by having less portions of food.
“I feel very concerned because since Trump is only giving half of the food stamp benefits, it has affected my whole family because it means less food,” they said.
Katie Taylor, social worker at Del Mar, talks about her thoughts on food insecurity and its impact on students and families.
“Sometimes it can be hard to focus. If a student doesn’t have food at home, that could be dinner, lunch, breakfast, on weekends, the whole day. So it’s going to impact their physical health, but it also has an impact on mental health,” Taylor said.
Taylor said that there are increases in notifying students and families about available food resources, such as the Del Mar food pantry. She also notes who is available to help families with unmet food needs.
“Myself and Ms. Diaz, our community liaison is available for any families that are still not getting their food needs met to come by and talk to us, and then we’ll provide support,” Taylor said.
Other areas nearby are providing support, such as West Valley Community Services and nearby community restaurants. Taylor is concerned for affected families at Del Mar for the possibility of not having enough food during the upcoming holidays.
If you have any questions for Katie Taylor, she is located at the Wellness Center in room 5 and is available any time during school hours.
With the government now open under a new short-term funding bill that lasts until January 30, 2026, SNAP in California could face short-term funds in potential for interruption or reduced benefit amount if talks stall again.
“ ‘We are relieved that families across our county will receive their full amount of CalFresh food assistance for November,’ said Santa Clara County Executive James R. Williams. ‘Unfortunately, while the federal government shutdown persists, there remains uncertainty about the continuation of CalFresh and other public benefits in December. We will continue to do everything we can to support the needs of our community because no family or child should go hungry in Santa Clara County,’ ” said the Santa Clara County Office of Communications and Public Affairs.
Now in November, most eligible CalFresh recipients should have received their full November benefits. Although there has been a certain change due to federal legislation (H.R. 1), essentially affecting certain CalFresh households if they don’t have an elderly and/or disabled member, benefits may be reduced or discontinued if the household was receiving Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). As well as new eligibility rules affecting lawfully present immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking (T visa holders) and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), are generally no longer eligible for SNAP.
