CalFresh eligibility changes threaten food access for thousands in California

New federally-imposed work requirements are set to impact food benefit recipients in California, with approximately 47,000 people expected to lose access to CalFresh starting this month. These changes stem from the federal government’s 2025-26 budget, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).

According to California’s 2026-27 budget, these limitations on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are projected to save taxpayers $66.2 million. The new rules mandate that able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 65 without minor children at home must work, attend school, or participate in community service to remain eligible.

Assemblymember Alex Lee has criticized the requirements, describing them as “red tape traps” designed to cut off food aid for low-income populations. Lee’s office estimates that roughly 562,000 people could lose access to CalFresh over the next year due to these federal work requirements and other restrictions, which also include making certain immigrants ineligible for benefits.