SF Taps Reserves to Cover Federal SNAP Cuts
Published October 29, 2025
The Facts
San Francisco will cover food assistance for its 112,000 SNAP recipients through an $18 million public-private partnership as federal benefits are set to end on November 1 due to the government shutdown, according to Joe Garofoli and Alexei Koseff at The Chronicle.
Half of the funding comes from a $400 million reserve Mayor Daniel Lurie established this year specifically to buffer against federal funding cuts. The other half will be contributed by the Crankstart Foundation, the family foundation of venture capitalist Michael Moritz. All 11 supervisors have agreed to approve the expenditure.
However, the payments may not be necessary, as two federal judges have ordered that SNAP benefits be paid despite the shutdown.
The Context
On October 1st, Congress failed to pass a funding bill and all non-essential government services were halted. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that it would be unable to distribute SNAP benefits starting November 1.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low- and no-income individuals and families. In San Francisco, SNAP benefits are crucial for many residents, with approximately 112,000 people relying on them for food security.
The GrowSF Take
We all deserve a government that works, from local to state to federal levels. When the government fails to meet its obligations, it is heartening to see local leaders in both City Hall and in philanthropy step up to ensure people don't go hungry.