The loss of public food assistance benefits applies to certain non-citizens, including, asylees, refugees, and victims of trafficking.
by Martín Macías, Jr. – LA Public Press
04/01/2026
https://lapublicpress.org/2026/04/la-calfresh-immigrants-eligibility
Volunteer workers distribute food to locals at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church food pantry. (Phoenix Tso/LAPP)
As Los Angeles immigrants reel from a year of devastating fires and immigration raids, California officials announced another major blow. Starting today, certain non-U.S. citizens will lose public food assistance benefits.
The state is revoking CalFresh eligibility from asylees, refugees, parolees, conditional entrants, victims of trafficking, and individuals with some relief from deportation, such as those whose removal or deportation has been withheld, according to the LA County Department of Public Social Services, or DPSS.
According to James Bolden, a DPSS spokesperson, 10,860 people in LA County will lose benefits as a result of the policy change. In August, the agency estimated about 23,000 non-U.S. citizens in LA County would separately lose Calfresh benefits after federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program last summer.
Melissa Acedera, founder and director of local nonprofit food assistance organization Polo’s Pantry, told LA Public Press she’s “horrified but not surprised” by the cuts to SNAP, which she said will further strain already struggling communities.
“This will create further chaos as far as food access,” Acedera said. “So many communities are frankly already in a lot of pain.”
The change takes effect today, according to DPSS, but those who are now deemed ineligible under the new rule will continue to receive assistance until each recipient’s renewal period.
The DPSS announcement said California residents who fall within those categories might still qualify for CalFresh benefits if their immigration status changes to “lawful permanent resident” or if they become a green card holder.
“Customers are advised to update their contact information to ensure receipt of important notices, remember their renewal due dates, and check their mail regularly for renewal packets and official communications,” the DPSS announcement said.
The policy change stems from new federal policy outlined in U.S. House of Representatives Bill H.R. 1, which cuts federal funding for programs like CalFresh and which was signed into law July 4 by President Trump.
CalFresh is California’s SNAP program; it provided $12 million in benefits to 5 million people between 2023 and 2024. During that time, the average monthly benefit recipients received was $189.
California is home to more than 10.5 million immigrants.
Farm Fresh Produce Box at LA Regional Food Bank. According to a 2024 USC Dornsife study, 25% of LA County residents are food insecure. Photo by ChrisAnna Mink. Credit: ChrisAnna Mink / Los Angeles Public Press)
Last summer, the Trump administration and the U.S. Congress cut $187 billion for SNAP, or one-fifth of its funding, through 2034 while also making it harder for immigrants, unhoused people, foster youth, and older people to qualify for those benefits.
Nationwide, SNAP serves more than 40 million people, including 16 million children and 8 million seniors.
After the SNAP cuts last summer, LA Public Press compiled a list of LA organizations providing free or low-cost food to try to meet the increasing need for support.
Acedera said she’s noticed the line of residents at Polo’s Pantry food distribution events across LA County tend to get longer mid-month as people’s CalFresh benefits run out.
“Parents forgo eating to let their kids eat,” Acedera said. “We’re hoping people can see this moment and understand we can figure out ways to build something sustainable and led by the people.”
Acedera said Polo’s Pantry and other nonprofit organizations are in dire need of volunteers and donations as the need for food assistance increases across LA County.
Rick Nahmias, founder and CEO of California-based Food Forward, a nonprofit bringing free food to people across the state, said in an emailed statement the severing of access to food benefits is upsetting.
“We are deeply disturbed by the deliberate exclusion of refugees, people seeking asylum, and many others trying to access nutritious food for themselves and their families,” Nahmias said. “We do not support this April 1 constriction in food access benefits, those that preceded this moment, or those planned for June and beyond.”
Beginning June 1, some CalFresh recipients will need to participate in work or community engagement activities to continue receiving benefits, according to the California Department of Social Services.
Carla, an organizer with San Fernando Valley mutual aid organization Aetna Street Solidarity, told LA Public Press the cuts to CalFresh should motivate people to support their struggling neighbors.
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