As many as 47,000 people could be kicked off CalFresh

This story originally appeared in The Center Square. As federally-imposed work requirements take effect for food benefits recipients, roughly 47,000 people stand to lose access to CalFresh starting this month. This, as well as other federal limitations on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as CalFresh in California, will save taxpayers $66.2 million, according to California’s 2026-27 budget. The new work requirements were stipulated as part of the federal government’s 2025-26 budget, passed in July 2025. That is commonly known by lawmakers as H.R. 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The other changes for SNAP included making some immigrants ineligible for food benefits and state utility subsidy limitations, among other restrictions. “H.R. 1’s expanded work requirements are red tape traps to cut off vital food aid for low-income people,” Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-Milpitas and a member of the Assembly Select Committee on CalFresh Enrollment and Nutrition,