Press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:

As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is bracing for impacts to benefits starting Nov. 1, including to the approximately 22% of county residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 

In Humboldt County, more than 30,000 individuals receive SNAP — CalFresh — which equates to between $5.8 and $6 million a month. These benefits not only supplement the food budgets of elderly community residents, families with children and other individuals, there are many businesses in the county that accept EBT cards (which is how these benefits are delivered) and rely on this income as well. Statewide, approximately 5.5 million residents are expected to lose benefits effective Nov. 1, 2025.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate approximately 42 million individuals will be impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits nationwide, if the shutdown continues. 

Currently, the approximately 2,880 participants who receive benefits through the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program, can expect to continue receiving them through the first week in November. 

DHHS Director Connie Beck said she is already seeing the impacts on staff who are anticipating this loss of benefits in the coming weeks. “It is daunting knowing we soon may not be able to provide services to the folks who depend on us.” 

Beck said staff is working on messaging about other resources that may be available, including local food banks, to provide to current customers if benefits are halted.

At this time, funding to programs including Foster Care Title IV-E and In-Home Supportive Services is expected to be covered through the end of the year, despite the ongoing shutdown.