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Thousands in San Diego to Lose CalFresh Benefits Under New Federal Law
The changes target non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, who previously qualified for the food assistance program.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:35pm
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Thousands of families in San Diego County are expected to lose their CalFresh benefits starting April 1st due to a new federal law that changes the eligibility requirements. The law targets non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, who previously qualified for the food assistance program. This will have a significant impact on many families who rely on CalFresh to put food on the table.
Why it matters
CalFresh has been a critical lifeline for people in San Diego struggling to make ends meet, and the loss of these benefits will make it even harder for thousands of families to afford groceries. Local food banks are already seeing an increase in demand due to the high cost of living and inflation, and they anticipate this change will lead to even more people seeking assistance.
The details
Under the new federal law, 13,000 people in San Diego County are expected to lose their CalFresh benefits as the program undergoes a phased rollout of the changes. The law targets non-citizens, including refugees, asylum seekers, and others who previously qualified for the food assistance. As people recertify for the program, they will be told they are no longer eligible and will no longer receive the benefits.
- The changes to the CalFresh program will go into effect on April 1, 2026.
- The law will be implemented through a phased rollout, with people losing benefits as they recertify for the program.
The players
Feeding San Diego
A local food bank that is focused on helping those directly impacted by the CalFresh benefit changes.
Carissa Casares
The director of communications for Feeding San Diego, who spoke about the impact of the changes on the community.
What they’re saying
“Food is a basic human right, and if someone is not able to get it for themselves, we don't want to make it harder for them to get food.”
— Carissa Casares, Director of Communications, Feeding San Diego
“People being cut off from their benefits, we anticipate seeing more people at our food distributions.”
— Carissa Casares, Director of Communications, Feeding San Diego
What’s next
Officials with Feeding San Diego are urging people to update their information because some may still qualify if their immigration status has changed. The organization is also focused on working with local non-profits to understand the full impact of the changes and ensure they have the resources ready to help those who are affected.
The takeaway
The loss of CalFresh benefits for thousands of families in San Diego will have a significant impact on the community, making it even harder for many to afford basic necessities like food. This change highlights the ongoing challenges faced by non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, and the importance of ensuring access to essential services and support for all members of the community.
