By Macy Yang

Mai C. doesn’t recall exactly when she received a text message from Sacramento County notifying her that her CalFresh benefits will stop in November. The message was in English — a language she can read and understand but with some limitations. 

She said the same message also appeared in the app she uses to check her CalFresh and cash aid balances.

Mai C., who requested anonymity out of fear of repercussions and retaliation, asked that her full name not be used. The interview was conducted in Hmong, her native language, to ensure her full understanding.

When asked what she understood about the federal shutdown, Mai C. said in-language, “They can’t agree. They don’t want to give money to help Medi-Cal, so they are going to stop giving money to help people. They are going to stop all WIC, food stamps and cash assistance.” 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as CalFresh in California, is a federally funded program run by the state and counties; without a federal budget, the program cannot be funded, and beneficiaries will likely lose their access on Nov. 1. 

More than 5.5 million people, including one out of 8 children in the state and 270,000 people in Sacramento County, rely on CalFresh.  

The shutdown does not affect school lunch programs. 

In response to the shutdown, the county’s Department of Human Assistance (DHA) and Homeless Services and Housing (DHSH) began notifying CalFresh recipients on Oct. 20.  

“Social media, news stories and website content can be translated into the languages our website offers and use screen readers for visually impaired residents,” Ethan Dye, director of Human Assistance said in a written statement to Hmong Daily News. “The system allows messages in English, Spanish, Russian, and Farsi. We are adding Vietnamese and Cantonese for the Watt Ave location. The message directs customers to our website which can be translated and is screen reader capable.”

The county has been directing families in need of food to visit local food banks. 

However, Mai C. said she has never been to a food bank before and doesn’t know where to find one. She heard that there’s a Hmong center on the northside; she doesn’t know the name, but she will check with them to see if they offer food.  

“This federal shutdown has created significant uncertainty for families who rely on CalFresh. While the County does not control federal funding, our focus is on making sure residents have clear information and know where to turn for local resources,” Dye said. 

“We are in close communication with our partners at the State and with community organizations so that everyone has the same, accurate understanding of what’s happening and what help is available,” he added. 

On Oct. 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom directed California Volunteers and deployed the California National Guard to assist with preparing meals for distribution to families in need in Southern California. 

The governor also released $80 million in funding to food banks across California to help offset food benefit cuts caused the shutdown.

“We will be working closely with the local food banks and community-based organizations to solicit donations, funding and volunteers to keep them running as long as needed,” Dye said.  

Mai C.’s husband lost his job during COVID, she. said. Since then, the family of seven has relied on public assistance for the past few years. For now, she plans to use her credit card to buy food and pay bills. She hopes to pay it back once benefits are restored. 

What worries her most, though, is her rent — she has no savings and doesn’t know how she’ll make the next rent payment.  

If the shutdown continues longer, she said, her husband will need to find work. 

For new applicants that will need assistance, Dye said “the CalFresh program is still accepting applications as usual, will continue to process them and once the government reopens and SNAP funds are allocated, new, approved applicants will receive funding.” 

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call 2-1-1 or visit www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food/ to locate food resources in their community. 

Visit Sacramento County DHA website for more information at ha.saccounty.gov.

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Support stories like these here, and sign up for our monthly newsletter.