CalFresh (SNAP) benefits are halved for millions in California, local food pantries try to fill gaps
The 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and food pantries to meet their nutritional needs are feeling the effects of the current government shutdown. In California, SNAP benefits are distributed through the CalFresh program.
According to the California Department of Social Services in California over five million people will be adversely affected. Benefits for November 2025 have not been distributed and it is unclear when that might happen. Families get less than $200 a month, while a single person on minimal social security receives $60. According to the California Budget and Policy Centers the average two-parent family earning $67,000 a year in San Bernardino County, will spend 13.9% of their income on food prepared at home, which amounts to $179 per week.
In the meantime, food pantries are stepping up to feed hungry families, but the uncomfortable reality is that local food banks may run out of food to distribute.
The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County will be distributing USDA commodities in November. Monday November 17 will have food distribution in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Landers and Twentynine Palms and on Tuesday November 18th there will be distributions in Joshua Tree, Wonder Valley and Twentynine Palms.
Addresses and times can be viewed below and always on their food distribution calendar at www.capsbc.org/food-bank (click on :Distribution Calendars” and then on “Food Distribution Sites.” Their phone number is 909-723-1581 for questions and inquiries.
CAPSBC NOVEMBER 2025 COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR
Please note: Times, dates and locations are subject to change.
For questions and inquiries: (909) 723-1581.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025
Belfield Hall
8:30am-10:30am
58380 Reche Road
Landers, CA 92285
Training with Pay Yucca Valley Community Center
9:00am-11:00am
57090 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Joshua Tree Community Center
9:00am-12:00pm
6171 Sunburst St
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
29 Palms Community Pantry & Outreach
3:00pm-5:00pm
6450 Stardune Avenue
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18 2025
Copper Mountain Mesa Community Center
9:00am-11:00am
65336 Winters Road
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Wonder Valley Community Center
10:00am-12:00pm Drive Thru Only
80526 ½ Amboy Road Wonder Valley, CA 92277
The Way Station
10:00am-12:00pm
61722 Commercial St.
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Community Learning & Equipping Project Inc.
5:00pm-6:00pm
4751 Adobe Road
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
