LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2025 — As CalFresh recipients across California began receiving their June SNAP benefits last week, many are already preparing to make them stretch further than ever. A newly enacted 20% federal cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), part of a broader federal cost-saving initiative, is leaving thousands of low-income families worried about putting food on the table—especially in a state where the cost of living is among the nation’s highest.
A Timeline of Strain
The budget cut, confirmed earlier this year by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), began impacting payments this month. In California, SNAP is administered as CalFresh and typically delivers over 5 million monthly payments to eligible households. Based on the last digit of a recipient’s case number, payments are distributed from June 1 through June 10.
Historically, CalFresh has provided an average of $299 per eligible household, according to 2022 data from the California Department of Social Services. But this month, recipients across the state are noticing smaller deposits, a change some say is already threatening their food security.
“I opened my app on June 3 and saw $240. That’s down from the usual $300,” said Maria Hernandez, a single mother of three in East LA. “With eggs, milk, and meat prices still so high, I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to make this last.”
State Officials Respond
Local officials have not remained silent. Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley) called the cuts “cruel and shortsighted,” particularly for a state already grappling with record homelessness and deep income inequality.
“California families depend on CalFresh not as a luxury, but as a basic lifeline. At a time when working people are barely holding on, this federal decision pulls the rug out from under them,” Rivas told reporters Friday.
The Federal Mandate Behind the Cut
The SNAP reductions come as part of a sweeping initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), currently helmed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Tasked with saving $150 billion in federal spending by July 2026, DOGE has enacted cuts across a range of social programs, with SNAP among the largest targets. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP supported over 41 million low-income individuals nationwide in 2024.
While the department claims these cuts are essential for long-term fiscal responsibility, critics argue they disproportionately burden the most vulnerable.
“These cuts don’t just affect food stamps—they affect children’s futures,” said Dr. Tanesha Roy, a public policy expert at UC Berkeley. “When families can’t afford nutrition, health, education outcomes, and even labor participation suffer.”
Legal and Civic Implications
Civic advocates warn that reduced benefits could violate basic human rights commitments and intensify California’s ongoing housing and hunger crises. According to a 2023 report by Feeding America, 1 in 6 Californians relied on food banks at least once last year—a number expected to rise sharply in light of the cuts.
“There is a fundamental issue of fairness and transparency here,” said Rosa Kim, legal director at the Bay Area Legal Aid Society. “These cuts were made without a public hearing, without meaningful input from those most affected. We are currently reviewing whether legal action is warranted on procedural grounds.”
What Comes Next?
California legislators are reportedly exploring emergency state-level funds to help close the SNAP shortfall, but any new measures are weeks away at best. In the meantime, food pantries and mutual aid networks are bracing for increased demand.
As the pressure builds, one thing is clear: the community is watching, organizing, and demanding answers.
Were you affected by the recent SNAP reductions? How are you coping? Share your experience in the comments below.