Hundreds of Solano County residents lost CalFresh food benefits this month under federal work requirements that took effect this year, and hundreds more are expected to lose them each month, the Vallejo Sun reports.
The numbers
Only five residents lost benefits in September, the first month cutoffs were possible. In October, 271 more did, Solano County Health and Social Services Deputy Director Alicia Jones told the Sun. The county estimates 458 people could lose benefits in November and 341 in December.
What the rules require
The county says that since June 1, 2026, adults without young children at home must meet a work or community engagement requirement to keep CalFresh for more than three months. That means 20 hours a week, or 80 hours a month, of work, volunteering, training or school. Parents of children under 14 are excused, as are people who cannot work because of a physical or mental health condition, people caring for someone who is ill or disabled, and some students. People who lose benefits can regain eligibility by completing 80 hours of qualifying activity within 30 days.
The Sun says the federal changes, part of H.R. 1, removed most county waivers, raised the age range into the 60s and added parents of children 14 and older. Veterans and unhoused residents are no longer automatically exempt.
Getting help
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is helping people apply and renew at supermarkets, farmers markets and colleges. "It should not be this hard to feed your family," Jones said. Similar work requirements for Medi-Cal start Jan. 1. For students, see CalFresh eligibility for college students.