Note: This is a dynamic situation, and we will continue to monitor and provide updates as new information is released.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, CalFresh benefits for the month of November have been temporarily paused. This pause has caused delays and disruptions in benefit distribution.
At this time, the County cannot add money to EBT cards until federal funding is restored. The length of the delay is currently unknown and will depend on when the government reopens and how long it takes to restart federal benefit funding.
CalFresh recipients can continue to use any existing funds already available on their EBT cards. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your EBT card. Participants are encouraged to continue submitting all required forms and recertifications (SAR 7) as usual to avoid future interruptions in benefits once funding resumes.
Approximately 10,000 Marin households—representing about 15,500 residents—rely on CalFresh to meet their basic nutritional needs. Food insecurity is a real crisis, and we recognize that many residents are struggling to afford food as costs continue to rise. Our community’s strength is built on the wellbeing of our residents, and we will continue to advocate for equitable solutions to improve every person’s ability to access nourishing and affordable food.
The City of San Rafael and Marin Health and Human Services (HHS) are actively collaborating with community-based organizations to address food insecurity and coordinate local food resources during this funding pause.
Local Response and Community Support
The City of San Rafael is working closely with Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS), the Marin Community Foundation, the SF-Marin Food Bank, and local schools to help residents during this pause in benefits.
Marin County HHS offices remain open and ready to assist. Staff are available to answer questions, connect residents with food resources, and provide information about available programs.
- Call 1-877-847-3663 for help or visit one of the local offices at 120 North Redwood Drive or 3240 Kerner Boulevard
Schools across Marin are sharing food resources with families and will offer leftover universal meals to students in need.
Community members can make an immediate impact by donating to the Marin Community Foundation’s “Food on Every Table” fund, which supports trusted local food security efforts. You may also directly donate to the SF-Marin Food Bank, which continues to coordinate with local panties across Marin to expand food distribution where possible.
At its Tuesday, November 4 meeting, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider a recommendation to allocate $800,000 in emergency funding – approximately $200,000 per week – to provide direct food assistance to CalFresh recipients during this federal shutdown. If approved, the funds will be distributed in close coordination with the Marin Community Foundation and the SF-Marin Food Bank to ensure timely and equitable delivery of support to those most in need.
Find Free Food Near You
If you need food now, visit the SF-Marin Food Bank’s “Find Food” page. It is updated several times a day and provides the most current list of available food pantries and distributions in your area.
You can also visit cafoodbanks.org/find-food to locate additional food banks near you.
The County’s emergency resource portal is not currently being updated but may become an active source of information soon.
For more information on local food pantries in Marin County, CalFresh beneficiaries are encouraged to visit the Marin Community Resource Guide.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on CalFresh program funding, visit cdss.ca.gov.
The City of San Rafael will continue working with the County of Marin, local nonprofits, and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce to make sure residents have access to food assistance during this time. Food insecurity is a real challenge for many families, and we are committed to finding equitable solutions to ensure everyone in our community can live with dignity.
We will share more information on available benefits and local support resources as soon as it becomes available.
Important Reminder:
Beware of predatory apps targeting EBT cardholders. The State of California will never charge to use the official EBT app, ebtEDGE.