Thousands in San Diego to Lose CalFresh Benefits Due to Federal Rule Changes

New eligibility limits for certain non-citizens could impact families, local businesses, and food banks across the region.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:11pm

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Approximately 13,000 people in San Diego County are expected to lose their CalFresh food benefits starting April 1 due to changes in federal law that limit eligibility for certain groups of non-citizens, including asylees, refugees, parolees, and those with deportation or removals withheld. County officials say they have been preparing for the changes, which could have ripple effects on local businesses and food banks that serve these communities.

Why it matters

The loss of CalFresh benefits will strain families who rely on the assistance to afford food, and could also hurt local businesses that serve these customers. Food banks in the region are anticipating higher demand as a result of the changes, raising concerns about whether resources will be able to keep up.

The details

The new federal rules will cut CalFresh benefits for thousands of San Diego residents, including asylees, refugees, parolees, and those with deportation or removals withheld. County officials say they have been preparing for the changes since last July, when they were first announced. In communities like San Ysidro, where many residents rely on assistance programs, the effects are expected to ripple beyond households and into local businesses, with an estimated 50% of customers at Liva Market using EBT benefits.

  • The changes take effect on April 1, 2026.
  • County officials have been preparing for the changes since last July 2025 when they were first announced.

The players

Alberto Banuelos

An official with the County of San Diego who says the county has been preparing for the changes for months.

Arely Agüero

An employee at Liva Market in San Ysidro, who says about 50% of their customers use EBT benefits and they expect to lose many clients due to the changes.

Ana Rosa Allen Ramirez

A San Diego resident who has lost her CalFresh benefits and says the lines at local food banks have surged from about 200 people to roughly 500.

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What they’re saying

“The signing of the one big beautiful bill. So we've known since last July that these changes were coming.”

— Alberto Banuelos, County of San Diego official

“Like the 50% of our customers they buy with EBT. Yeah, we definitely will lose clients.”

— Arely Agüero, Liva Market employee

“Oh yeah, that is what's been happening...”

— Ana Rosa Allen Ramirez

What’s next

County officials are urging current CalFresh recipients to update their contact information and immigration status, noting some people may still qualify if their legal status has changed. The county says it has also increased support for local food banks in anticipation of higher demand.

The takeaway

The loss of CalFresh benefits for thousands of San Diego residents will put a strain on families, local businesses, and food banks across the region. The changes highlight the ripple effects that federal policy shifts can have on vulnerable communities and the importance of social safety net programs.