33,000 Madera County Residents Depend On SNAP Monthly

By: Sierra News Posted On: October 30, 2025 View: 3

MADERA COUNTY, CA – As of October 30, 2025, approximately 33,832 individuals in Madera County rely on CalFresh benefits, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These benefits are crucial for many families, providing essential food assistance each month.

SNAP Shoppers inside a grocery store in the Bronx borough of New York, on October 24, 2025. Kena Betancur/Bloomberg/Getty Images — Shoppers inside a grocery store in the Bronx borough of New York, on October 24, 2025. Kena Betancur/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Beginning November 1, 2025, the ongoing federal government shutdown is expected to delay the distribution of November CalFresh benefits. This disruption is due to the federal government’s failure to provide funding for November benefits, as reported by the California Department of Social Services.

Deborah Martinez, Director of Madera County’s Department of Social Services, expressed concern over the impact of these delays:

“The impact of delayed CalFresh benefits to our small community is significant, affecting clients directly and our local businesses as a by-product. The vast majority of CalFresh benefits are for children and seniors who will experience increased hunger. While we stand ready to help and serve, the strain of the unknown is detrimental to the livelihoods of all our families.”

Each month, approximately $6.3 million in CalFresh benefits circulate within Madera County. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, for every $1 spent through SNAP during an economic slowdown, an estimated $1.54 is generated in GDP. Therefore, the delay in benefit distribution means nearly $10 million will not circulate in the local economy as usual, potentially reducing spending at local businesses and weakening economic activity in Madera County.

Madera County’s population is approximately 156,225, with 21% of residents receiving SNAP benefits, which is higher than the national average of 12.3%. By state, participation ranges from 4.8% to 21.2%.

In response to the anticipated increase in demand, local organizations are preparing to assist. Reverend Kim Schoelen, pastor at Grace Community Church in North Fork and director of the local distribution point for the Central California Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry program, noted a significant rise in families served:

“Over the last 5 months, we served 99 families on average each month. Tuesday, we served 130 families.”

If the government shutdown continues, she expects that number to rise again next month.

It’s currently unclear how soon the benefits will be restored to EBT cards once the government reopens. CalFresh benefits are typically issued through EBT cards during the first 10 days of each month, based on the last digit of the client’s card number.

Shortly before posting this story we learned that a federal judge in Boston has indicated plans to intervene in a significant dispute over the Trump administration’s decision not to utilize billions of dollars in emergency funds to support food stamp benefits for millions of Americans in November.

During a hearing on October 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani questioned the administration’s stance, stating, “Right now, Congress has put money in an emergency fund for an emergency, and it’s hard for me to understand how this isn’t an emergency when there’s no money and a lot of people are needing their SNAP benefits.”

Judge Talwani has expressed skepticism toward the administration’s plan to suspend SNAP benefits, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. She indicated that she would work quickly to issue a decision later today.

If the judge orders the government to use the emergency funds, it may take time for the USDA and state agencies to implement the necessary systems, potentially leading to delays in benefit distribution. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether recipients will receive their full November benefits, as the USDA’s contingency fund may not be sufficient to cover the entire amount without additional resources.

The situation underscores the critical role of SNAP in providing food assistance to millions of Americans and highlights the challenges posed by the ongoing government shutdown.

The Madera County Department of Social Services advises CalFresh clients to continue completing their semi-annual reporting responsibilities, and applications will continue to be processed. They also noted that CalWORKs clients will receive their November cash assistance benefits on their EBT cards as usual. Currently, there is no impact on Medi-Cal and on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

To apply for assistance or for more information, Madera County residents can call (559) 675-2300 or visit the Madera County Department of Social Services website.