More than 387,000 Orange County residents, or roughly 12% of the population, experienced food insecurity in 2024, according to a report by Feeding America. This represents a 44% increase from 2021, when over 267,000 residents, 8.4% of the population, faced similar challenges. This rise predates the full implementation of federal cuts to food assistance programs.
Leaders of the Orange County Hunger Alliance warn that the situation is expected to worsen as H.R.1, a federal law signed last year, fully takes effect. The law includes $4.5 billion in annual cuts to the food assistance program. Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of OC, stated that data does not yet reflect the changes from H.R.1, suggesting "the situation on the ground is probably worse" than reported figures indicate.
Changes to CalFresh eligibility requirements under H.R.1 are being implemented gradually. These changes include stripping eligibility for certain immigrants, such as refugees, and introducing new work requirements for able-bodied adults to receive benefits for more than three months in a three-year period. OC Food Bank Director Mark Lowry noted that residents will discover their altered eligibility or reduced benefits when they recertify for food stamps, with the full impact expected to unfold between October 2025 and October 2027.
Since H.R.1 began taking effect last fall, approximately 40,000 Orange County residents have lost CalFresh benefits, resulting in $10 million less in governmental food assistance available to families. Latest reports from social service agencies indicate a decrease in CalFresh enrollment, with over 282,000 people enrolled in June of this year, down from 309,000 in August 2023. The county anticipates losing about 4,000 participants monthly.
Food insecurity disproportionately affects certain communities, with 29% of Black residents and 18% of Latino residents in Orange County facing hunger in 2024. Children are also significantly impacted; over 112,000 children under 18, or 17% of OC kids, experienced food insecurity in 2024, an increase from nearly 64,500 children in 2021. Keller emphasized the developmental consequences, stating that "Hungry children cannot learn."
Additional funding changes are expected this fall, with the federal government's share of administering the CalFresh program dropping from 50% to 25%. Despite these challenges, Hallie Stohler-Plaza, director of the OC Hunger Alliance, affirmed that CalFresh remains a vital resource. The alliance's goal is to ensure eligible residents are educated about and can access the program, even with the new compliance requirements. For assistance options, residents can visit 211 OC.