Confusion and concern surround SNAP funding

Millions of people across the United States who rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to put food on the table are facing uncertainty as President Donald Trump has said he is withholding emergency funding until the government shutdown ends. Although two federal judges ruled that freezing SNAP payments is unlawful, Trump said he would withhold all SNAP payments until the shutdown concluded, in turn violating the court orders. However, the White House contradicted the president on Nov. 4 and announced that it would fund half of the $8 billion it will take to fund SNAP for November. It is unclear if and when partial benefits will reach recipients, as the USDA has said it could take up to “several months.”  

Approximately 42 million people are currently enrolled in SNAP.   

Amid the uncertainty, several local organizations and meal programs have stepped up to fill the funding gap and provide food to those in need. On Oct. 31, shortly after the ruling was made that requires the Trump administration to release emergency funds, U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) joined nonprofit meal provider Project Angel Food and CEO Richard Ayoub to highlight the importance of food security.  

“Project Angel Food serves people with critical illness,” Ayoub said. “So they’re not only sick, they are low-income or very low income. They’re food insecure as well. We know there’s about 3,000 people a day who rely on us for medically-tailored meals. Of those 3,000, about 25% also get SNAP to get some additional groceries. At Project Angel Food, we’re going to take care of those 650 people.”  

To address the SNAP shortfall, Project Angel Food began delivering $100 grocery gift cards to those relying on federal assistance.  

“We are making sure that our clients have a little bit of a buffer,” Ayoub said.  

“There is no excuse for the Trump administration to defy a court order and deny food assistance to millions of Americans,” Friedman said. “SNAP shouldn’t be a political bargaining chip, it’s how many families in my district survive. The Trump administration must release the funds today, no more delays, no more excuses. Meanwhile, I’ll continue working to bring Congressional Republicans to the negotiating table. We must work to protect affordable healthcare, end this shutdown and bring down costs for the American people.”  

Another organization helping those facing food insecurity, Meals on Wheels West – which delivers meals to coastal communities in L.A. County – is facing increased strain amid the government shutdown.  

“The landscape of food security is shifting fast,” Meals on Wheels West Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins said. “As SNAP benefits remain uncertain, we’re already feeling the impact here at Meals on Wheels West – with more neighbors reaching out for help. Our team is doing everything we can to meet the growing demand, but limited resources are beginning to stretch our capacity. The need is real, and it’s growing.”  

U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) met with leaders from the organization on Nov. 3 to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts to anti-hunger programs and to speak with Meals on Wheels volunteers and beneficiaries.  

“I was deeply moved visiting Meals on Wheels this week to see firsthand what they do to help vulnerable people in our community,” Lieu said. “Programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals and support to homebound, disabled and elderly people in our community and around the country. Meals on Wheels relies on the kind of federal funding that the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans cut to fund billionaire tax breaks and Trump’s pet projects. To compound the suffering, Trump has refused to use all the money available to fund SNAP this month, stretching programs like Meals on Wheels even thinner as they try to help hungry community members. It’s simply immoral.”  

Westside Food Bank, an organization that provides nutritious food for 72,000 households across western L.A. County, is actively seeking donations amid the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.  

“We are deeply concerned that our current resources are insufficient to meet this looming crisis,” Westside Food Bank President and CEO Genevieve Riutort said. “We do not have extra food stockpiled, as we had already been clearing the shelves to meet the recent rise in food insecurity. We need donations, and we need them now. Your investment will help us stabilize tens of thousands of households during this unprecedented disruption to the social safety net.”  

To donate, visit wsfb.org/donatenow-2025-2.  

The state of California and local municipalities have also announced that they will take action to lessen the impacts on food benefit recipients amid the government shutdown. On Oct. 22, Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed the California National Guard to support food banks and announced $80 million in state funding to be fast-tracked for food aid. On Oct. 31, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass announced that the city would mobilize resources such as the city’s network of FamilySource Centers to distribute food to families in need. She also directed the Community Investment for Families Department to set aside available funds for grocery cards that will be provided to families.  

“The city is committed to ensuring that residents stay informed and supported,” Bass said. “No one in Los Angeles should have to worry about putting food on the table because of circumstances beyond their control. We are mobilizing every resource available to help our communities.”  

The cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood partner with several meal programs that are available to residents in need. Organizations include the Seeds of Hope initiative, Jewish Family Services and World Harvest, in addition to Project Angel Food and Westside Food Bank. 

“In Beverly Hills, we believe that no one in our community should ever have to face hardship alone. While the federal shutdown and SNAP funding freeze create uncertainty for many, our city remains committed to caring for one another,” Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian said. “We are working closely with our local partners including Jewish Family Services, Westside Food Bank and other community-based organizations to ensure that residents facing food insecurity continue to receive the support and resources they need. Our Human Services team is actively connecting individuals and families with meal programs, food distribution sites and assistance referrals. In addition, we have a process in place to assist those shopping at the farmers market who rely on those benefits. For further assistance, residents may contact the city’s Human Services division at (310)285-1006. Beverly Hills has always been more than a city, it’s a community that looks out for its neighbors. Together, we will continue to provide compassion, dignity and support to those who need it most.” 

“Access to nutritious food is a basic foundation for health, dignity and community,” West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers said. “As federal programs hang in the balance of the shutdown, locally funded food programs reflect our city’s commitment to caring for one another, ensuring that older adults, people living with disabilities and residents facing economic uncertainty or health challenges have the nourishment they need.”