Seniors Suffer as SNAP Benefits Delayed Amid Government Shutdown

As of November 7th, 2025, the federal government's failure to pay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1st has left many older adults in San Diego struggling to afford food. 86-year-old Mary Eastwood, who lives on a fixed income, depends on SNAP benefits to help buy groceries. However, when she tried to use her SNAP card at Walmart last month, she was told there was nothing in her account.

The SNAP benefit delays have forced seniors like Eastwood to cut back on meals, which can worsen chronic health conditions. UC San Diego Health geriatrician Dr. Ian Neel warns that missed meals can lead to serious problems, including worsening of diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive impairment.

The Serving Seniors center in downtown San Diego has seen a surge in demand for its free lunch service since the SNAP benefits stopped. Staff say more people have been showing up, including Eastwood, who took a bus from El Cajon to have a meal with her sister. Eastwood is grateful for the center's assistance, but worries about how long she can stretch her limited budget.