Resources Available for Cathedral City Residents as CalFresh Benefits Face Delay Due to Federal Shutdown

California has been notified that CalFresh (SNAP) benefits may not be distributed next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This potential delay could affect millions of Californians, including over 37,500 people across the Coachella Valley who rely on food assistance.

In Riverside County, approximately 345,000 residents receive CalFresh benefits totaling more than $65 million per month. Among those affected are 82,000 children under the age of 18, 51,000 seniors over the age of 60, and thousands of working families.

Local Help is Available

Cathedral City Senior Center has announced that food assistance resources remain available to community members during this crisis. "At Cathedral City Senior Center, we believe food is a human right," the center stated. "If you or someone you know relies on CalFresh, help is available. Our Food Bank, support programs, and community partners are here for you."

What CalFresh Recipients Should Know

• Residents can continue to use their existing CalFresh benefits on their EBT cards
• Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) will continue processing case information and new applications
• Recipients should continue submitting requested forms and reports to ensure their case remains open so benefits can be issued quickly once the shutdown is resolved
• There are no immediate impacts to Medi-Cal or CalWORKs at this time

Resources for Food Assistance

Cathedral City residents needing food assistance can access the following resources:

• Cathedral City Senior Center Food Bank - Support programs and community partners available
• 2-1-1 - Call for assistance and information about local resources
• BenefitsCal - Apply for or monitor benefits and update case information at www.benefitscal.com or call 1-877-410-8827
• California Department of Social Services - Visit www.cdss.ca.gov for more information

How the Community Can Help

Community members who are able to help are encouraged to donate to local food banks and spread the word about available resources. "Together, we can make sure no one in the MidValley goes hungry," Cathedral City Senior Center emphasized.

Riverside County is holding weekly coordination calls with county departments and community partners to improve communication and collaboration, and to monitor the ongoing capacity to provide food assistance during the shutdown.

For more information about resources available in Cathedral City, contact the Cathedral City Senior Center at (760) 321-1548, visit www.cathedralcenter.org, or stop by 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Avenue, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for assistance.