Every Thanksgiving, Maria Hernandez makes her signature potato casserole for her family and neighbors. It’s always a hit — frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream and crackers. But this year, she’s not sure if she’ll be able to afford the ingredients.

Almost a week into November, Maria Hernandez hasn’t received her federal food assistance yet.

Normally, she gets $130 in monthly grocery assistance, known in California as CalFresh. This month, she was expecting about $60 — if she receives anything at all.

She first heard about the cuts on the news, but wasn’t sure if she could trust it.

“You know, sometimes the news, you never know,” she said.

Then she started getting texts from San Diego County. Because of the government shutdown, CalFresh payments would be delayed, and a

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