California Today

CalFresh changes risk 600K Californians losing food aid

21 May 2026 07:55

More than 600,000 Californians are at risk of losing CalFresh food benefits due to expanded work requirements and other federal changes taking effect in June 2026. - The new rules require adults up to age 64 to work, volunteer, or train 20 hours a week, with exemptions for illness or caring for children under 14.

- About 260,000 people in Los Angeles County are affected, and 108,000 have already lost benefits since the bill passed last July. - Additional changes disqualify some non-citizens and shift funding costs to states and counties, costing California $480 million annually.

Local food banks are preparing for increased demand as inflation and benefit cuts strain residents.

Tags

Los AngelesFosterpoliticseconomyhealth