The Imperial County Board of Supervisors heard on Oct. 28 that CalFresh benefits for November will be suspended until federal funding resumes, and county and nonprofit leaders urged residents to use available local resources and to donate money and volunteer time.

Social Services Director Polly Janos told the board, “In Imperial County, there is approximately 25 26,000 households that receive CalFresh benefits, and that amounts to about 50,000 individuals.” She said October benefits that remain on EBT cards can be used in November, but new November benefits will not be issued until federal funding is restored.

Why it matters: County staff and the Imperial Valley Food Bank said the suspension will likely increase demand for food distributions and other social services in a county where many households already rely on public benefits.

Janos gave figures and operational context: the county estimates roughly 25,000–26,000 CalFresh households (about 50,000 people), and the food bank currently serves about 8,000 households (about 25,000 individuals). Statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $80 million in support for local food banks; Imperial Valley’s allocation is $950,000, which county and food-bank staff said will not cover the projected need if the suspension lasts.

Representatives from the Imperial Valley Food Bank urged immediate monetary donations and volunteers. A food bank representative said the agency runs about 33 distributions a month across the county and is increasing deliveries to each site. She said the food bank’s weekend backpack program — which provides food for students over weekends — has grown from about 700–800 students per week to between 1,300 and 1,500 and that the program is already receiving calls from additional schools asking to be added.

“I liken this to the COVID era,” the food bank representative said, describing a surge in people coming to register and ask for help. She told the board that the state allocation is an annual-type allotment and that spending it now would reduce the food bank’s ability to buy food later in the fiscal year; she gave an example that a truckload of chicken can cost about $140,000.

County staff and food-bank leaders said they have been coordinating with schools, other nonprofits and state groups. Janos said the county has been issuing public notifications via text and is preparing for higher call and walk-in volumes at county offices. She said the county and food bank had met with community partners and were sharing distribution calendars.

Board members asked about volunteer recruitment and possible use of community-benefit funds; supervisors said they would work to spread the word and encouraged service clubs and local leaders to help. Board members also noted that the governor had offered National Guard assistance to food banks statewide but that some nonprofits were hesitant to request Guardsmen because of community concerns, so local volunteerism remains an important resource.

Clarifying details from the meeting:
- CalFresh recipients in Imperial County: approximately 25,000–26,000 households (about 50,000 individuals).
- Imperial Valley Food Bank service: about 8,000 households (about 25,000 individuals) and ~33 monthly distribution sites.
- State allocation announced: $80,000,000 statewide; Imperial Valley Food Bank allocation: $950,000 (staff said this is their annual CWDA-type purchase allocation and may not suffice for a major surge).
- Backpack program: serves roughly 1,300–1,500 students per week; food bank representative said a $250 donation can sponsor a child for the school year.

The board asked staff to continue coordinating with community partners and nonprofit agencies and to provide further joint briefings with behavioral health and social services on county impacts if the suspension continues.