SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 5, 2025 –
In response to federal government shutdown and the resulting pause in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, the City Council of South San Francisco has taken decisive action to support local South San Francisco residents in partnership with the YMCA Community Resource Center (YMCA CRC) facing immediate food insecurity.
Introduced by Mayor Eddie Flores and supported unanimously by the entire City Council at the Council meeting on October 29, 2025, staff were authorized to move forward with working with the YMCA CRC to provide food assistance to the nearly 1,700 individuals in South San Francisco impacted by the CalFresh funding delays, as a result of the lack of federal action. The amount approved was up to $170,000 in emergency funding with potential to revisit if the need continues to exist. The call to action is designed to provide grocery gift cards to eligible CalFresh individuals living in South San Francisco to supplement lost or delayed federal benefits and ensure residents can continue to meet their basic food needs.
Gift Card Distribution
Eligible South San Francisco residents can receive two $50 gift cards or one $100 gift card, redeemable at Safeway, Lucky’s, and other grocery stores operated by Albertsons Companies.
Distribution will take place at:
YMCA Community Resource Center
1486 Huntington Avenue, Suite 100, South San Francisco
Confirmed pick-up dates and times:
- Friday, November 7, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
If federal SNAP benefits remain suspended, additional distributions will be posted on the City’s website at www.ssfca.gov.
Gift cards are available while supplies last and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be current CalFresh/SNAP recipients; and
- Reside in South San Francisco.
Residents must present proof of eligibility and residency in person to YMCA CRC staff. Accepted documentation includes:
- CalFresh EBT card or award letter; and
- Proof of South San Francisco address (such as DMV issued ID, utility bill, or lease).
Verification will be completed by YMCA CRC staff, who will maintain a secure roster and shared electronic spreadsheet to track all distributed cards. Information collected will include recipient name, address, date of birth, and gift card barcode number.
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.
About the YMCA Community Resource Center
The YMCA Community Resource Center (CRC) provides year-round assistance to South San Francisco residents, including rental and utility aid, employment support, and food distribution programs. Learn more at ymcasf.org/crc