State officials warned this week that millions of Californians may soon face delays in receiving food assistance if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 23.

The California Department of Social Services has begun notifying counties statewide to prepare for interruptions in CalFresh, the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is primarily funded by the federal government. The shutdown, now entering its second month, could disrupt benefits for roughly 5.5 million Californians who rely on CalFresh to buy groceries.

“These crucial food benefits are 100 percent federally funded,” state officials said, adding that if legislators do not reopen the government or authorize new funding, families may not receive benefits in November.

Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the shutdown’s impact on working families, especially with the holidays approaching.

The disruption could hit hardest among the state’s most vulnerable residents — children and seniors — who make up more than 63 percent of California’s SNAP participants. Local food banks are already bracing for increased demand as the Thanksgiving season approaches.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom called the situation unacceptable.

“Parents and caregivers should not be forced to choose between buying groceries or paying bills,” she said.

Federal officials have instructed states to hold November benefit data, effectively preventing funds from being distributed to CalFresh cards. Newly enrolled participants in late October will be the first affected, followed by all enrollees if the shutdown persists beyond Oct. 23.

The Newsom administration cautioned that the longer the shutdown continues, the broader the fallout will become — threatening not only food assistance but additional federally funded programs that millions of Californians depend on.