LAKE COUNTY
CalFresh plays a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic
May is “CalFresh Awareness Month.” A month of public outreach to increase awareness and enrollment in the CalFresh program.
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits not only to individuals and families with low-income, it also provides economic benefits to our community. EBT is the automated system that allows CalFresh recipients to use a card, much like a debit card, to access their food benefits for purchases at grocers.
In light of the state’s unprecedented response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the expansive need that has resulted across the state, it is more important than ever to help our vulnerable populations connect with food resources. 12,729 individuals in Lake County are currently receiving CalFresh benefits totaling $2.7 million per month, $29.3 million in benefits over the course of the last year. USDA has shown that every dollar in CalFresh expenditures generates $1.79 in economic activity. Once spent, these dollars circulate throughout the economy, triggering a ripple effect.
Many individuals and families who need food are unaware that they may qualify for assistance. For instance, a family of four earning up to $2,839 gross per month may qualify for up to $782 in CalFresh benefits each month.
The application process is confidential. Get help putting healthy, nutritious food on the table. Go to www.getcalfresh.org to apply now.
Lake County has 30 days to decide if you are eligible. Households with very low income and resources may get benefits within 3 days.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some special temporary rules exist around the following:
- Monthly Emergency Allotments, so customers can receive are receiving the MAXIMUM CalFresh allotment during the Pandemic, or an additional $95 to their regular allotment, whichever is GREATER.
- Telephonic Signatures, so customers can sign documents by telephone, no paper or in-person visits required.
- Interview Waivers, so we can skip the interview if a customer submits a complete application, including signature, date and proof of things we must verify like identity and income.
- Excluding Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which means it is NOT counted in the CalFresh budget.
- Increased Benefits, so all CalFresh households receive an additional 15%.
- Expansion of Student Eligibility, so students who are eligible to federal or state work study or who have an expected family contribution of zero dollars can now receive CalFresh.
All of these temporary rules have different expiration dates, but all are currently in place. Additionally, spending benefits locally helps our local economy by supporting our local businesses. Through the Market Match program, you can double your CalFresh spending power at our local Farmer’s Markets, that’s like shopping for 50% off at Farmer’s Markets! See the Farmer’s Market host for additional details, or visit marketmatch.org.
To apply anytime visit www.getcalfresh.org, or call (707) 995-4200 Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm for information on other ways to apply.
—Submitted
—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
