Resources for CalFresh/SNAP Pause
Community Food & Nutrition Resources
We understand that the ongoing government shutdown may cause uncertainty regarding access to essential services for community members, particularly with the anticipated pause in CalFresh/SNAP benefits on November 1, 2025. Here are some resources.
Seaside Certified Farmers’ Market – 1259 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside | Thursdays, 3–7 p.m. Accepts EBT, WIC, and Senior FMNP benefits.
Alisal Produce Box Distribution – 632 E Alisal St, Salinas | Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m. (Oct. 28, 2025 – May 26, 2026).
Free Farms Together Produce Boxes – Available now through 2026! Eligible low-income residents can pick up a free weekly box (valued at $26 in fresh produce) at the Seaside Farmers’ Market Info Booth. Bring proof of eligibility, such as an EBT or Medi-Cal card.
Food Bank of Monterey County – Emergency Food Assistance & Distribution Schedule.
Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps – Shabu Shake Good Samaritan Center, Food and Meal Services; provides hot meals and produce boxes.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey – Nutrition and Food Support Programs.
Shoreline Church Food Pantry – Weekly Food Pantry Information.
Everyone’s Harvest – Market Bucks Program and nutrition support for Medi-Cal eligible individuals.
Additional Support
Call or text 211 for local food and housing resources.
Visit FindHelp.org to search for free or reduced-cost food, housing, financial, and healthcare services and resources.
While the CalFresh/SNAP benefits pause is scheduled to begin on November 1, it is important to note that CalWORKs and MediCal benefits and resources are not impacted by the federal shutdown at this time. Be assured that we are closely monitoring potential impacts that support students and community members.
Across the country, powerful interests are trying to quiet the voices of Black and Brown communities. Through gerrymandering and stacked district maps, they aim to weaken our political influence and to make sure that we cannot elect leaders who truly reflect our needs. We refuse to let that happen in California.
That’s why Proposition 50 is so important. It offers a fair, interim solution to preserve representation until the next round of redistricting. Rather than undermining Black and Brown districts, Prop 50 strengthens our communities by adding five new congressional districts and protecting the voices of historically underrepresented groups. Here’s what Prop 50 will do:
- Establish a temporary congressional map that ensures fair representation across all communities.
- Prevent harmful “stacked decks” that silence communities of color.
- Build trust in our electoral system and make the statement that voters, not politicians, choose their leaders.
Please see here for more information: Blog: They’re Trying to Silence Us…But Prop 50 is Our Answer.
That’s why we must all vote YES on Prop 50. What you can do:
- Vote early: Make your plan and cast your ballot as soon as possible. Ballots started arriving in the mail on Monday October 6, 2025
- Talk to your community: Help neighbors understand how this could directly affect who represents them in Congress.
- Stay informed: Forward this email, pass along reliable updates, etc.
- Join us: Volunteer for phone banking/SMS outreach
- Host or attend a townhall
Our vote is our voice. We will not be silenced. Together, we can protect fair representation and protect our communities.
In solidarity,
Phaedra Jackson
VP, Unit Advocacy & Effectiveness
NAACP
Many of our members, families, and communities are feeling the strain of the ongoing government shutdown. Whether you’ve been furloughed, depend on federal programs, or are uncertain about what comes next — you are not alone. The NAACP is here to help you navigate this moment and connect with critical resources that ensure you and your loved ones stay supported.
If You’ve Been Furloughed:
- Apply for Unemployment Benefits ASAP: You may be eligible if you’re not working and not being paid. Note: If you later receive back pay, you may be required to repay the unemployment benefits.
- Contact your Mortgage Lender, Landlord, or Creditors: Explain your situation and request flexible payment options.
- Federal Student Loans: Check with your agency’s HR office for official information and share this email with family and friends who may find it helpful.
If You Rely on Government Services:
- Medicaid: Your coverage continues, though some administrative processes may be delayed. Community health centers remain open and available for care.
- Veterans Services: VA hospitals and clinics remain open. Disability and pension payments will continue.
- Social Security: Benefits continue. New applications or replacement card requests may take longer than usual.
The NAACP will continue to monitor developments and share verified updates as they become available. In moments like these, our collective strength matters most. You are not alone and together we’ll ensure our communities remain informed, supported, and resilient.
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In solidarity,
Phaedra Jackson
VP, Unit Advocacy & Effectiveness
NAACP
Dear NAACP Members and Friends,
It’s time for us to come together and protect our democracy. The NAACP is mobilizing members and supporters nationwide to take action in Virginia, California, and New Jersey ahead of the November 4th election.
We are hosting phone banking and text message outreach efforts to connect with voters in these key states. Your voice can make a difference. Every conversation matters. Every story shared makes an impact. Every call made brings us one step closer to change.
This is our moment to use our voices and reach voters directly in the fight for our future. Join us as we mobilize communities across the country—because Our Time Is Now!
NAACP Webinars & Recordings
Labor Action – Event past, but recording below
Join us as we highlight urgent issues impacting working people, unemployment, impacted federal workers, immigration, and more.
AI & Health – Event past, but recording below
Title: Building a Healthier Future: Designing AI for Health Equity
Explore how artificial intelligence is shaping health outcomes in our communities, the opportunities it presents, and the imperatives for health equity.
- Session Recording – To view the recording of last night’s session, please click here
- Presentation PPT – We’re also including the presentation deck from last night for your reference.
If you haven’t already done so, please take a few moments to complete the ACE Your Health Community Wellness Survey! The survey will close at the end of this month on Tuesday September 30th at midnight and we need your help to make a strong push towards the finish line!
- Additionally, if you’d like to stay connected with the NAACP Center for Health Equity, please register for our Monthly Health Leads Forums by clicking here.
Defending Democracy Together (All-Units Call) – Event past, but recording below
Join the NAACP for a national action webinar connecting federal threats to state and local organizing. Hear from national leaders and experts on protecting voting rights, combating disinformation, and mobilizing communities ahead of the midterm elections.
Watch the Recording: YouTube Link
- Voter Registration Verification: Link
- Check out the Defending Democracy Resource Page: Link
- Protect Our Students Incident Report Form: Link
- The NAACP and Vote.org have partnered to ensure every unit has its own unique Vote.org link to register, verify, and request absentee ballots. Each link allows us to track progress and report metrics to units. The same link may be used year after year. Link
Current Sources
Contact Anita Crawley acrawley@comcast.net if you would like to add your organization’s events to this calendar.