Starting November 1, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — known in California as CalFresh — will be temporarily suspended for low-income residents, raising concern among Korean seniors and small business owners in Koreatown.
The suspension follows the ongoing federal government shutdown, pausing food assistance for about 1.5 million residents who depend on these benefits. Local markets and community centers have been flooded with calls asking when aid will resume.
At Hannam Chain in Los Angeles on October 30, many Korean shoppers used their EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to buy rice, noodles, and vegetables ahead of the suspension.
“I get $120 every month on my EBT card,” said a 90-year-old woman surnamed Kim, “but I heard it’s stopping next month. I’m worried about not being able to buy food.”
A couple in their 60s who were shopping at the market said they had received a suspension notice last week. “We’ve been using EBT for four years,” the husband said. “We almost bought a bag of rice today but decided to save the balance for next month.”
The Los Angeles County government has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and activated a 211 emergency food assistance hotline. County officials estimate about 1.5 million residents will lose CalFresh benefits during the shutdown.
A Hannam Chain representative said, “About three in ten customers use EBT cards. Seniors will be hit hardest, but stores can’t extend credit.”
Calls are also increasing at the Koreatown Senior and Community Center, where manager Yoonsu Kim said, “Many Korean seniors are EBT cardholders and are most worried about how long the suspension will last.”
Businesses that accept EBT payments are also expecting lower sales. Youngran Yoon, branch manager at Wooltari Mall, said, “If the benefits stop, stores will take a direct hit. We’re already worried about losing sales.”
To mitigate the crisis, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has allocated $10 million in emergency funds to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, which will distribute food to 940 partner pantries across the county (lafoodbank.org, call 211).
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will also offer free meals for youth and seniors at designated parks, while residents 60 and older can receive free meals through local senior centers (800-510-2020).
Additionally, L.A. Care Health Plan pledged $5.4 million to support youth food programs through the YMCA.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) continues to provide free breakfast and lunch for students through its Cafe LA program. The federal WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program also remains available; applicants can text “APPLY” to 91997 or visit startwic.org for assistance.
Authorities are also on alert for possible food theft. Station Chief Rachel Rodriguez of the Olympic Community Police Station, which covers Koreatown, said, “There are many small grocery stores here. We will increase patrols to prevent theft or robbery and respond immediately if incidents occur.”
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
AND YOONSEO SONG [song.yoonseo@koreadaily.com]
