By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

Starting April 1, 2026, a change in federal law will make some noncitizens newly ineligible for CalFresh.

Noncitizens already enrolled including asylees and refugees, will have their eligibility reviewed at their next renewal.

What to do if you are impacted:

  • You may still qualify. Submit renewal paperwork on time so a caseworker can review your eligibility.
  • Keep your contact information updated:
  • Respond right away if the County contacts you and submit all required paperwork.
  • You can also get support from the County Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, which connects people to additional resources.

Food Resources Are Available

There are many free food assistance options in San Diego County, regardless of immigration status:

  • 211sandiego.org offers a countywide list of food resources.
  • The San Diego Food Bank maintains an online map of emergency food distribution sites, searchable by ZIP code, open times and eligibility.
  • Feeding San Diego hosts pop up distributions at locations around the County and maintains an online map of food distributions and pantries.
  • Jewish Family Service holds weekly drive-through distributions.

The County provides access and enrollment to public safety net programs in support of its mission to strengthen our communities – which include nearly 400,000 residents who receive CalFresh benefits and more than 800,000 who are enrolled in Medi-Cal.