New federal work requirements for CalFresh benefits threaten 17,000 recipients in Santa Barbara County. - Recipients aged 18-64 must work 20 hours/week or earn $217.50 weekly to keep benefits.
- Exemptions include pregnant individuals, those medically unable to work, and caregivers. - The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has increased its budget to $3.2 million for food purchases.
- The Central Coast has the second highest poverty rate in California at 19.3%. The new rules, effective June 1, are part of the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill, and similar cutbacks for immigrants took effect in April.