California families starting to see SNAP benefits back on their cards

One viewer called ABC7 and said her account was "fully funded."
Friday, November 7, 2025
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- California families are starting to get their SNAP benefits back on their cards after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the food assistance program for the month of November by Friday.

One viewer called ABC7 and said her account was "fully funded."

California was one of more than 22 other states that filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the "unlawful refusal to fund SNAP/CalFresh benefits" due to the government shutdown.

"California will continue fighting to ensure that our families can access the food they need and deserve," read a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom. "The court rightly shut down the Trump administration's attempt to use the well-being of American citizens as pawns in their sick political game. As President Trump continues to create harm through self-inflicted wounds on our country, we will keep protecting Americans who are caught in the crossfire. I am pleased at the court ruling and that those food benefits are now beginning to flow back to California families."

Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the Trump administration to find the money to fully fund SNAP benefits for November.



The ruling Thursday was in response to a challenge from cities and nonprofits complaining that the administration was only offering to cover 65% of the maximum benefit. The Trump administration said last month that it would not pay benefits at all for November because of the federal shutdown. Last week, two judges ordered the government to pay at least partial benefits using an emergency fund.

More than 5 million people rely on SNAP benefits across California. Some organizations in Southern California are calling on Newsom to backfill SNAP funding.

Meantime, YMCAs across the region are reaching out and expanding their food aid as FeedLA distributes more $7 million worth of food across YMCA locations in Los Angeles County.

FeedLA distributions are scheduled all month at YMCAs across Los Angeles, and no membership is required. One is scheduled for Friday at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

As for the government shutdown, a test vote for a new package, which has not been publicly revealed, could come Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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