As significant changes to food assistance programs loom, leaders in San Diego County are taking proactive measures to prepare residents for upcoming benefit cuts. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer announced on Tuesday, alongside officials from the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, that they aim to advocate for local residents as the changes from Washington, D.C., begin to roll out.
These cuts, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” are scheduled to take effect in early 2026. The changes will eliminate certain exemptions within the CalFresh program, which provides food assistance to low-income residents. More recipients will be required to demonstrate that they are working at least 20 hours a week to maintain their benefits, putting many at risk of losing vital support.
“People shouldn’t lose their groceries because they missed a form or didn’t see the rules changing,” Lawson-Remer stated. “We’ve known these cuts were coming for months — and we’ve been building a plan to get ahead of them. They told us to wait. We’re not waiting anymore.”
The planned reductions include the removal of exemptions for various vulnerable groups, such as veterans, older adults, and individuals experiencing homelessness. A report released by the county in July estimated that the federal budget changes could have a local impact exceeding $300 million, with around $200 million attributed to new costs or cuts affecting CalFresh.
According to Casey Castillo, CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the reduction in government-administered food assistance typically leads to increased demand for emergency food services. “As a result of H.R. 1, we estimate that the monthly meal gap in San Diego County could grow by 60%, reaching 7.1 million missing meals. This comes at a time when our USDA food supply has already declined, creating a one-two punch that will deeply impact our communities.”
In response to the impending changes, the county is formulating a notification plan to inform those who may lose benefits ahead of time. The initiative aims to provide residents with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the new regulations and ensure that they are adequately prepared.
The outreach team at the food bank is also gearing up to assist clients throughout this transition. They plan to help individuals with applications, monitor their progress, and advocate on their behalf. As the situation develops, leaders in San Diego County remain committed to supporting those who may be adversely affected by these cuts, emphasizing the importance of community resilience in the face of changing policies.
