The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to protect privacy rights of food assistance recipients and pursue legal action against a federal mandate requiring states to turn over sensitive applicant data.
The motion, authored by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, responds to a July 2025 request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture demanding five years of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applicant information, including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, addresses and shopping histories.
The USDA suggested that states failing to comply could lose federal funding for the program, creating what officials called an impossible choice between providing nutrition assistance and protecting resident privacy.
"The County of Los Angeles, as the safety net for our most vulnerable communities, has a duty to uphold its promise to protect the privacy of its residents," Solis said. "It's clear that while our federal government seeks to further erode public trust, we must stay united and ensure that every resident, regardless of immigration status, is able to safely access the essential services they have a legal right to."
Los Angeles County serves nearly 1.5 million SNAP recipients, including non-citizens and parents who legally apply for benefits on behalf of their U.S. citizen children. The program supports the county's most vulnerable residents.
Long-standing state and federal laws have historically protected SNAP applicant information. However, amid ongoing immigration enforcement and changing federal policies, the new USDA demand has deterred immigrants from accessing programs for which they are eligible, even when desperately needing assistance for health, safety and well-being.
California joined 21 other states in filing a lawsuit challenging the USDA's data demand, arguing it violates federal policy laws.
The approved motion directs County Counsel, working with the Department of Public Social Services and Public Health, to immediately explore all legal remedies available to the county. This may include initiating, joining or supporting existing legal actions taken by California.
The action reflects the county's commitment to maintaining trust with vulnerable communities while ensuring continued access to essential nutrition assistance programs.
Edited by SMDP Staff