What’s Open Right Now
WIC is open and enrolling; benefits are being issued. Operations may change with a prolonged shutdown—check back here for updates.
Food Banks (See Below)
⚠️ Update: Federal Shutdown Impact on CalFresh (SNAP) Benefits
As of November 1, 2025, the federal government remains shut down, and no new funding has been authorized for CalFresh (SNAP) benefits beyond October 31.
What This Means for Sacramento Families
October benefits have already been issued and remain available for use.
No new CalFresh funds will be added to EBT cards for November unless federal funding resumes.
EBT cards will continue to work for any remaining balances, but no new benefits can be loaded until the government reopens.
WIC Benefits
The WIC program remains open in California and is still enrolling and issuing benefits using contingency funding from the USDA. This may change if the shutdown continues, so check regularly for updates.
Where to Find Food Support Now
If you or someone you know is affected by the pause in SNAP benefits, help is available across Sacramento County:
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services – Multiple distribution sites weekly.
👉 Find a site near you211 Sacramento – Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211sacramento.org for live referrals to food, housing, and emergency aid.
FindHelp.org – Search by ZIP code for local food pantries, diaper banks, and utility support.
Community Pantries & Meal Programs – Many neighborhood sites are increasing distributions during the shutdown.
For CalFresh Participants
Stay informed: Visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for official updates.
Keep paperwork up to date: Continue submitting SAR 7s and recertifications so benefits can restart quickly once funding resumes.
Questions? County offices remain open — go to www.BenefitsCal.com or call 1-877-847-3663.
Key Message:
“CalFresh benefits are federally funded. Because of the federal government shutdown, new benefits will not be issued in November unless federal funding resumes. Households can continue using any remaining October benefits and should stay informed through official CDSS updates.”
Source:
This message is shared from Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA) on behalf of Chevon Kothari, County Executive, to keep community partners and families informed during the ongoing federal shutdown.
💬 A Message for Moms & Families
The holidays can bring pressure — especially when money or benefits are uncertain.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply tired, please know that you don’t have to carry it alone.
Community resources are here to help with food, care, and emotional support.
✨ Take a deep breath. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
✨ Asking for help is strength, not weakness.
✨ Your family’s worth isn’t measured by what’s on the table — it’s the love around it.
🦃 Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaways in Sacramento
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🙌 Union Gospel Mission Sacramento – Thanksgiving Food Boxes
🕒 Sign-Ups & Pickup
Sign-ups begin Nov 3 Distribution Nov 24, 2025
📍 Location
400 Bannon Street, Sacramento, CA
Details: Pre-registered families receive full Thanksgiving boxes. Photo ID required for pickup.
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🏛️ Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services – Annual Turkey Drive
🕒 Date & Time Friday, November 14, 2025 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location
Cal Expo 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Details: The region’s largest Thanksgiving distribution event—free turkeys and meal boxes for local families.
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✝️ Saint Paul Church of Sacramento – Thanksgiving Box Giveaway
🕒 Date Sunday, November 23, 2025
📍 Location
3996 14th Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Details: Free holiday boxes with turkey, canned goods, and pantry staples. First come, first served.
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❤️ Women’s Missionary Union – Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway
🕒 Date & Time
Saturday, November 4, 20259:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location
Sacramento, CA (exact address TBA)
🔗 Contact info coming soon
Details: Free Thanksgiving food boxes for families affected by CalFresh delays and the federal shutdown.
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📞 211 Sacramento – Holiday Support Directory
🕒 Availability
📍 How to Access
Ongoing through November
Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211Sacramento.org
Details: Lists current food box programs, community meals, and local pantry hours across Sacramento County.
Free and Low Cost Resources
Food & Essentials:
WIC (Women, Infants & Children) – Sacramento
Currently open and issuing benefits/enrolling families (contingency funding in place). Note may change if a prolonged shutdown—advise families to check in regularly.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Primary referral for food assistance in Sacramento.Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway – Nov 4 (9:00–12:00)
Hosted by Women’s Missionary Union (phone number was shared in chat). Add phone/address once you pull it from the chat or flyer.Community Pantry (free pantry in Sacramento)
Mentioned as a local, drop-in pantry with staples (milk, food, etc.). Add exact name/location once you have the flyer.211 Sacramento
Dial 2-1-1 or visit their website for real-time local food, housing, and utility assistance.FindHelp.org
National directory used by partners; search zip codes for food pantries, bill help, etc.“Find a Food Bank” locator
(Shared by staff; use the national food bank locator link once you have it.)
Maternal & Family Mental Health Access
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
English/Spanish support groups and help connecting to care (not a crisis line).La Familia Counseling Center
Used as a successful referral when plan navigation was difficult (mental health services).Pivot (in-building access) – Intake via Dr. Nicole Jackson
Same-day/rapid mental health intake to route clients to walk-in or scheduled services.Black Infant Health (BIH) Program – Sacramento
Program reference made; add local BIH contact and enrollment link.Care Connector: Therapy Services
Connects individuals with licensed therapists and counselors; add local referral link and provider contact.
Health Plan & Care Navigation
Enhanced Care Management (ECM) / CalAIM
For members with complex needs (e.g., doula support, food/housing navigation, specialty care). Encourage families to ask their health plan about ECM.
Transportation Benefits (Anthem example)
Health plans can arrange rides to covered appointments—flag this as a benefit to request.LiveHealth Online (Anthem)
Telehealth option mentioned by plan reps.Sydney Health App (Anthem)
App for care access and benefits info.
Communication & Updates
Call 2-1-1 Sacramento: Get connected to local food assistance programs and services
Stay informed: For updates on the CalFresh program and the federal shutdown’s impact, visit ha.saccounty.gov