As the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is expected to be partially funded, the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Food Bank is still hosting its food distributions.
On Monday, they hosted the first of several food distributions for SNAP recipients. The distribution took place at the Kern County Fairgrounds and lasted from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. According to Ernesto Leon, Senior Communications and Outreach Coordinator for CAPK, people were lined up as early as 6 a.m. on Monday.
“When we got here, there were people in line already. A four-mile-long line since six in the morning, they were telling us,” said Leon.
The distribution provided both a walk-up and a drive-thru option for the community. Community members stated that the distribution was a blessing and that even when benefits are received, it is not always enough.
“It gets hard for us at the end of the month. So we always need money, and we always need food because some of the food stamps that they do give us is not enough”, said Imani Allen. “We have six kids here, and we don’t get that much in food stamps to begin with, so it’s really a blessing to be able to come and grab food.”
Leon stated that the efforts they are taking to assist the community can only last for two weeks. If community members would like to support the foodbank, they can donate or volunteer.
“We’re gonna need it this month. We have 110,000 of our neighbors who have lost their EBT benefits,” said Leon, adding how people can help. “So, if you’re able to do anything. Donate food, make sure it’s shelf-stable, that’s gonna help the food bank the most. Any monetary donations support us because the food bank can actually purchase from grocery stores at a subsidized price that the community can’t, and then your time.”
According to a court filing on November 3, 2025, the SNAP contingency funds will be used to provide reduced benefits in the month of November. The filing states that the contingency fund will be used to cover 50% of what families receive currently.
The contingency fund will also be used to fund $450 million to state agency administrative expenses, and $150 million for the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa to cover half of a month’s value per grant.
“This means that no funds will remain for new SNAP applicants certified in November, disaster assistance, or as a cushion against the potential catastrophic consequences of shutting down SNAP entirely. See Penn Decl. Doc. No. 14-2 ¶ 21,” according to the declaration section of Patrick A. Penn from Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS).
However, the court also gave the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) the option to use “ Section 32 Child Nutrition Program funds and other unspecified funds” to fund the full amount of SNAP benefits in November.
The filing states that the USDA decided against this option because it would cost $4 billion, and they did not want to create such a gap in the funding that Congress has not had to use yearly appropriations to fill before.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated in a press release that funds will not be immediately available for recipients and blamed it on President Trump not following the law.
“In addition, today’s announcement by the Trump Administration represents a moral failure,” said Bonta. “We are the richest country in the world, and the federal government could fully fund November SNAP benefits if it wanted to. Recent images and videos of long lines at food pantries nationwide highlight the gravity of the current situation — we must continue to care for those in greatest need. My office remains focused on holding the Trump Administration accountable for its illegal actions.”
