Colusa County DHHS Mobilizes Local Support and Resources for Impacted Families
(COLUSA, CA) October 30, 2025 – The Colusa County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that more than 2,700 residents countywide are being impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has temporarily halted November CalFresh (SNAP) benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has indicated that it cannot provide funding to states for CalFresh benefits until the shutdown ends, meaning that counties will be unable to issue new benefits until federal funding is restored.
In response, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), through the Governor’s Office, has allocated $80 million in emergency support to food banks statewide to help offset this disruption. Locally, this includes additional support for the Colusa County Commodities distribution, operated in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Butte County, which serves Colusa County residents (click here for distribution dates and locations).
Colusa County DHHS will also have limited access to emergency food options and will screen families for eligibility and immediate needs beginning in November. A list of local food resources is available through DHHS for those seeking assistance.
“Nutrition is a basic life necessity, and we understand how significant this disruption is for local families,” said Elizabeth Kelly, Director of Colusa County Health and Human Services. “Food insecurity impacts our most vulnerable residents first, and our team is committed to connecting individuals and families with every available resource to ensure they have access to healthy, reliable food options.”
The average CalFresh household in Colusa County receives approximately $6 per person per day, with an average monthly benefit of about $200 for a family of four. The impact of CalFresh benefits extends beyond the individual household—for every $1 spent on food, the local economy receives approximately $1.50 in return, supporting local farmers, grocers, and small businesses.
Despite the temporary setback caused by the federal shutdown, Colusa County DHHS encourages residents in need of food assistance to continue applying for CalFresh benefits, as applications will continue to be processed through the shutdown.
For those in immediate need of food, click here or contact Colusa County DHHS for information on local food bank distributions and emergency resources.
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